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Wagner - Lohengrin / James Levine, The Metropolitan OperaRating:
Release Date: 12 December, 2000 Retail Price: $29.98 Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: |
Wagner - Lohengrin / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera Reviews
A different take on this production
I was very excited to come across this Met performance by one of my favorite dramatic sopranos, Eva Marton. Wonderful dramatic gifts aside, I was quite disappointed and saddened by the amount of wear and tear the voice exhibited at this point by such a gifted actress and musician. She put tears in my eyes and touched my life when I saw her in a concert video singing "Sola, perduta, abbandonata" from Manon Lescaut. It is a rarity to have as much emotional depth as she had in that recital. I also hold the opinion that she attacks the role of Elsa with so much vocal force that it sounds as though it would be more fitting for Isolde. I believe that Cheryl Studer hit the nail more squarely on the head with a more lyrical approach to the vocalism in the Abbado-Vienna production, although Studer did not have Marton's depth of character. I am completely amazed at the choice of Telramund, Leif Roar, who made up for his apparent inability to sing the exposed high notes of the role by snarling and literally screaming them out in a melodramatic manner here, as well as in the Vienna State Opera venture also out on video. Levine and the Met Orchestra exhibit exceptional, intense playing here. In my humble opinion, the orchestra's comtribution was on of this production's saving graces. Peter Hofmann's voice as Lohengrin is crystal clear, youthful and as powerful as necessary here, but I prefer Placido Domingo's (in the Vienna production) warmth and color, although his German is un-idiomatic. Also what was up with Levine's shameful casting of the Herald, whose wobble was so great that it was impossible to discern his pitch?? One should be focusing on the drama at hand and not worrying about someone's attention-grabbing lack of technique. Shouldn't we expect more from the Met, with such a supposed standard of excellence? I am glad I bought this on Ebay and didn't pay full price.
Another Triumph For Eva Marton!!!
As Elsa,the lovely Miss Marton stole the show,despite attempts by the fading glory Leonie Rysanek to upstage her. I found Rysanek's voice as Ortud a bit caustic at times & shrill the rest of the time. Miss Marton maintained her composure,elegance & grace throughout. She brought the innocence to the role so needed when performing Elsa. Her voice was flawless. A true genius of a singer! She allowed her art to make her statement rather than pander to the crowd.The Lohengrin looked the part but fell short vocally. The music is glorious.The supporting singers are adequate.
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