Metropolitan Opera Archives

Wagner's ever-lovely comic opera, "Die Meistersinger," was given at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening for the first time this season. As a matter of course, it drew a very large audience, and one that manifested in every way its deep interest and genuine enjoyment. There is not one of Wagner's greater works more certain to delight the mass of music lovers, whether they are professed admirers of the genius of Bayreuth or not.

The performance was a very uneven one. It becomes rather wearisome to repeat this remark, but it unfortunately applies to many representations of the season now drawing to a close. Its repetition would have been far less frequent had the house been less unfortunate in its array of sopranos. The earnest and reverent spirit in which last night's labors were carried forward unquestionably atones for many of the shortcomings, for no amount of fine singing would compensate the public for a performance not Wagnerian in mood. The Wagner thought is present in all the current doings at the Opera House, and for that lot us will be thankful.

There was no small curiosity, of course, to witness Herr Reichmann's first appearance here as Hans Sachs, a rôle with which he has been thoroughly identified of late at Bayreuth. His conception of the poet-shoemaker has less geniality and honor in it than that to widen this public has been accustomed. It is serious, thoughtful, and certainly artistic and there is no need for comparisons or for any attempt to decide whether or not it is more meritorious than Herr Fischer's, On that point the patrons of the Opera House will undoubtedly decide for themselves in no uncertain manner. That public is proverbially fickle; but it sometimes has an obstinate fit and refuses to worship new gods.

An agreeable disappointment of the evening was Herr Arden's Beckmesser, which was clean cut in execution and far from being devoid or humor. Herr Beck repeated his admirable impersonation as Pogner. Herr Nicola Gorski was the David and a very high-minded and light-voiced apprentice he was, too. One of the most satisfactory performances of the evening was Herr Kalisch' s Walther. He looked well, acted with good judgment, and sang his music delightfully. On the whole he was a most excellent Walther and fully deserved the applause which he received. Herr Schlömann as Kothner was admirable in make-up and acted tolerably well; but not much can be said in favor of his singing.

Fräulein Kaschowska was only a tolerable Eva and Fräulein Huhn a moderately good Magdalena. The chorus was worthy of praise; the acting of the apprentices in the first scene was just a trifle too boisterous, however during Pogner's address. The marvelous instrumental score was played in a masterly manner by the orchestra, and Herr Seidl conducted as only he can conduct this work. The opera will be repeated at the matinée today when Herr Fischer will sing Hans Sachs.

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