[Met Tour] CID:153180



Lohengrin
Lyric Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, Wed, March 15, 1950




Lohengrin (486)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Lohengrin
Max Lorenz

Elsa
Helen Traubel

Ortrud
Astrid Varnay

Telramund
Herbert Janssen

King Heinrich
Nicola Moscona

Herald
Frank Guarrera


Conductor
Fritz Stiedry







Review 1:

Helen A. Penniman in the Baltimore News-Post

“Lohengrin” Beauty Duly Shown by “Met” At Lyric

 

In the course of a dozen years, with but occasional “excerpts” as reminders, one almost forgets the luminous beauty, as a whole, of “Lohengrin.” Last night’s performance at the Lyric of the Wagner opera being in the best tradition of the Metropolitan Opera Company, restored the picture.

 

Vocally, visually, instrumentally, and in the pageantry which forms so vital an element in the production, there was little at which to point a finger, except in admiration.

 

Helen Traubel was in excellent voice, especially fortunate in that scene where Elsa’s love is conquered by her fatal curiosity, and in the earlier “balcony scene” with the treacherous Ortrud.

 

Astrid Varnay’s projection of that character was extremely telling, her singing being admirably voiced, and her characterization entirely convincing in the transitions from malevolence, through guile and treachery, to frenzied fury. Her postures aptly suggested powers of witchcraft.

 

ARTISTRY OF LORENZ

 

The artistry of Max Lorenz and his vocal powers are renewed as he recovers from the terrible war years of Austria. He has recently completed a tour as guest star of the chief European opera houses, and his portrayal of the mysterious knight was consistent, easy and authoritative.

 

His voice, though not phenomenal, possesses the requisite qualities of a Wagnerian tenor, especially for the more tender and lyric passages, and developed through the evening until his song of disclosure and farewell was praiseworthy indeed.

 

Herbert Janssen was, as always, admirable in the familiar role of Telramund. Nicola Moscona was every inch a king, and the proclamations of the Herald, as voiced by Frank Guarrera, were effective.

 

CHORAL SPLENDOR

 

Under the direction of Fritz Stiedry, the Metropolitan’s principal Wagnerian conductor, though at time the pace seemed a trifle slow, the chorus sang splendidly, and the stage movement was effective.

 

Following Act II, the curtain reopened, to permit Governor Lane to say a few admirable words of farewell to Edward Johnson, urbane and capable retiring director of the Metropolitan. Whereupon the Governor presented to Mr. Johnson a testimonial bronze plaque, for which the recipient expressed gracefully his appreciation and thanks.

 

Though it was a midnight curtain, none of the capacity house lost enthusiasm before the end, except the unlucky ones who had to catch a train.

 

And so farewell to the “Met” until next spring.



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