Metropolitan Opera Archives

A performance of "Meistersinger" of such spirit and noble proportions as has seldom been heard in recent seasons drew, on Thursday evening, a jovial audience which derived much lively delight from the unfortunate escapades of Beckmesser, and contentedly observed the triumph of youth and beauty through the aid of ripe philosophy. A last minute indisposition of Mr. Whitehill caused Friedrich Schorr to appear as Sachs, and more perfect singing of the role can hardly be imagined. His "Wahn, Wahn," was one of the most thrilling bits of utterance that have been heard in a long while - but it is useless to specify; his performance from start to finish was superb, both vocally and from the standpoint of stage business. He was in the picture at all times, a kindly, not too aristocratic, figure.

Miss Easton, the Eva, brightened up considerably after an unimpressive first act and did some quite lovely singing, especially in the Quintet and in "O Sachs! Mein Freund!" of the first scene in the third act. Mr. Laubenthal, on the other hand, began at his best, experienced a slight lapse, and then finished brilliantly. It is needless to remark that his Walther is agreeable to the eye, and that his dramatics, while not greatly distinguished, are at least undistracting. Miss Telva sang exceedingly well the music allotted Magdelene, and Mr. Meader, though not in his best voice, gave his usual artistic characterization of David. Mr. Schützendorf was excellent as Beckmesser, but did the least possible amount of actual singing. Mr. Rothier was Pogner, Mr. Gabor, the Night Watchman. Messrs. Schlegel, Bloch, Bada, Altglass, Paltrinieri, D'Angelo, Ananian, Wolfe and Gutafson were Meistersingers and did much to justify the title.

The orchestra, on one of Mr. Bodanzky's very best nights, was magnificent. It has rarely glowed forth the incomparable beauties of the score with such ardor. There were moments when most unmusical sounds emanated from the chorus.

Search by season: 1925-26

Search by title: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,

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