Metropolitan Opera Archives

For the first time in a number of years, "Walküre" was sung without cuts as the fourth performance of the special matinee cycle on the afternoon of Feb. 27. The opera began at one o'clock and was over a few moments before five, the capacity audience listening in rapt attention throughout. One of the high points of the performance was the first appearance in New York as Brünnhilde of the Dutch soprano, Elisabeth Ohms. Mme. Ohms not only sang very beautifully, far better than she has in any other opera here as yet, but she acted with great intensity and finesse. Gertrude Kappel sang Sieglinde uncut for the first time. She was secure in the role, but has been more satisfactory in others. Mr. Kirchhoff did his declamatory phrases well. His lyric ones, as in the Spring Song, were less effective. Mr. Schorr sang better than he has done this season. Mme. Branzell was an effective Fricka and Mr. Gustafson a burly and sonorous Hunding. The Valkyries fluted for the most part instead of shouting, as they should. They were a timid crew, suggesting "pensionnaires" rather than the warlike daughters of the highest of the gods. They included Dorothée Manski, Phradie Wells, Pearl Besuner, Ina Bourskaya, Marion Telva, Henriette Wakefield, Jane Carroll, and Dorothea Flexer. Mr. Bodanzky conducted with much spirit.

Search by season: 1929-30

Search by title: Die Walküre, Ring Cycle [51] Uncut,

Met careers