Metropolitan Opera Archives

Review 1:

Harold C. Schonberg in the Sun
Ralf Sings in “Meistersinger”

The season’s second performance of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger” last night at the Metropolitan Opera House, saw Torsten Ralf resume the role of Walther, which he sang last year. With Herbert Janssen as Hans Sachs, Gerhard Pechner as Beckmesser, Astrid Varnay as Eva, Deszo Ernster as Pogner and John Garris as David, the cast was largely familiar. There was one newcomer, however, Martha Lipton, who sang Magdalene for the first time.

On the whole, the performance, which was under the direction of Fritz Busch, was not one of the company’s brighter efforts. The pace was a little lethargic, and at least two of the principals left something to be desired. Ernster’s voice last night was mostly guttural, lacking melodic flow, while Miss Varnay lacks the appealing tenderness a good Eva should convey. Most of the other singing was competently managed but without special impetus. Mention however, should be made of the bright clarity that Garris brings to David, and the steady intelligence of Ralf. Miss Lipton’s well thought out Magdalene has sufficient volume to carry above Wagner’s orchestration, her deportment is relatively unmannered and during the brief time while she held the stage some pleasant moments were provided.

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