Metropolitan Opera Archives

"Tannhäuser," on the second evening of the opera season, Dec. 27, drew a large house to applaud the freshened performance of a beloved work. The event was notable for several things: for the debut of Emanuel List as the Landgraf; for Maria Müller's beautiful singing of a part which is very sympathetic to her; for Max Lorenz's reappearance and decided improvement, to mention the most outstanding.

Mr. List is a valuable addition to the company; his commanding presence and voice of great depth and sombre, rich coloring, his musical feeling and expressive mien all combine to make him an artist worth watching and hearing. Mme. Müller's Elisabeth is charming, sweetly, clearly and often dramatically sung, graciously acted. Her joy and verve, and her later despair and resignation, are excellently portrayed.

Mr. Lorenz provided the surprise of the evening, with a Tannhäuser sung, not bellowed, acted with dignity and restraint, costumed simply and effectively. Friedrich Schorr's Wolfram was the pivot of the evening, this splendid artist giving an always dependable and very often beautiful account of his music. Karin Branzell was the Venus, opulent, if not always as steady as usual in voice, regal in appearance. Editha Fleischer sang delightfully the measures of the Shepherd, and Messrs. Clemens, Gabor, Paltrinieri and Wolfe contributed artistry to the smaller roles. Artur Bodanzky conducted..

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