[Met Performance] CID:79690



Lohengrin
Metropolitan Opera House, Fri, January 6, 1922


In English






The chorus sang in English, as it had at the first performance this season, but the principals now reverted to the original German text.

Review 1:

Review signed J. A. H. in Musical America

The First German "Lohengrin"

"Lohengrin" was sung in German for the first time here since 1917 on the evening of Jan. 6, at the second "Lohengrin" of this season, the occasion being of further note on account of the first appearance here as Elsa of Marie Jeritza, about whose mpersonation chief interest centered. Elsa is the fifth of the six roles in which Mme. Jeritza is to be heard this season, and it is far and away the most satisfactory. Her entrance in the first act, though her costume in no way suggested the medieval, was a vision of loveliness. Her performance throughout was consistent and logical and displayed none of the sensational theatricalism that characterized her Tosca and Santuzza. The denunciation of Ortrud at the end of the second act was very beautifully done, and there were little bits of tender, childlike affection for Lohengrin that were exquisite. She also acted throughout with more repose than she has exhibited heretofore. Her singing was good for the most part. There was less of the tendency to scoop at high tones, and the Wagnerian music did not lay bare certain faults of production that were obvious in other parts. But it cannot be said that her voice displayed warmth or variety of color. Mr. Sembach sang better than he has yet done this season, and Mr. Whitehill, save for an occasional moment of hoarseness, sang exceedingly well. His characterization was splendid. Mme. Matzenauer's Ortrud had its moments of impressiveness vocally and dramatically. In the former respect it was best when the music did not lie too high. Mr. Blass' King Henry was fine in every way, and Carl Schlegel's Herald adequately sonorous. The chorus, singing in English, did splendid work, and Mr. Bodanzky conducted admirably.



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