Metropolitan Opera Archives

A large and enthusiastic audience heard the second and final performance of Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung' on the evening of Feb. 23. ft was a stirring achievement both on the stage and in the orchestra pit. Outstanding was the superb singing of Helen Traubel. Though there is still room for dramatic improvement in the first act and for touches in the later scenes, Miss Traubel's 'Götterdämmerung' Brünnhilde is an artistic creation of high rank. All that it needs is unification to make it memorable. The Hagen of Alexander Kipnis was also something to remember with a shiver. The sombre coloring of the voice and the sinister threat of the dark figure contributed to a superb characterization. Herbert Janssen's Gunther was vocally admirable and Irene Jessner made a properly Appealing Gutrune. Lauritz Melchior was in good voice as Siegfried; his costuming of the part remains exotic and he should appear in the last scene, even though he is supposed to be dead. The Waltraute Scene was stirring, for Karin Branzell sang with tremendous conviction and vocal impact. The Rhine Maidens still need some additional rehearsals, though they grow slightly better with the years of changed casts, and the Norns are noticeably better than they were last season. Mr. Leinsdorf and the orchestra outdid themselves in a glowing performance.

Search by season: 1941-42

Search by title: Götterdämmerung,

Met careers