Metropolitan Opera Archives

Returning to the Metropolitan Opera after a season's absence. Martha Moedl sang the role of Bruennhilde in this fifth and final performance of "Die Walküre". Except for a rather tentative beginning with her "Ho-jo-to-ho," which was lacking in power, the distinguished German soprano outdid herself in making Bruennhilde the great figure Wagner had in mind, capturing and projecting every emotional and vocal nuance. With uncanny skill, Miss Moedl used body movements, facial expressions and vocal inflections to convey the innermost thoughts of the character she was portraying. Whether her voice is one of the great voices of the day or not really does not matter-it was a voice that fulfilled its purpose supremely well without calling attention to itself

Another fine characterization was that of Hermann Uhde, who was singing his first Wotan of the season. Mr. Uhde's Wotan may be more human than god-like, but his conception of the role compelled respect and admiration. The baritone used his resonant voice to excellent advantage and his impeccable German diction allowed every word, even in the softest passages, to come across the footlights clearly and distinctly.

Search by season: 1959-60

Search by title: Die Walküre,

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