[Met Performance] CID:9510



Siegfried
Metropolitan Opera House, Wed, January 28, 1891




Siegfried (28)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Siegfried
Heinrich Gudehus

Br?nnhilde
Antonia Mielke

Wanderer
Theodore Reichmann

Erda
Marie Ritter-G?tze

Mime
Otto Kemlitz

Alberich
Juan Luria

Fafner
Conrad Behrens

Forest Bird
Jennie Broch


Conductor
Anton Seidl


Director
Theodore Habelmann

Set Designer
Johann Kautsky

Lighting Designer
James Stuart, Jr.





Siegfried received four performances this season.

Review 1:

Review in The New York Times

METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE.

It was impossible last night to avoid the conviction that Wagner has a large and enthusiastic following in this city. The Metropolitan Opera House was crowded from top to bottom, in spite of the weather, with a most enthusiastic audience. The opera was "Siegfried," a work which only the most advanced musical taste takes to kindly, and one which will, of course, never be heard in this city again if German opera dies at the end of the present season. It is perfectly safe to say that all of those who enjoyed last night's production - which means all but perhaps a dozen of those present - will be disappointed "Siegfried" bids farewell to the local stage. It is equally safe to say that none of the lovers of this work and its kindred will ever set foot inside of the Metropolitan Opera House if that institution is given over to the world, the flesh, and. Donizetti. This is a lesson which Mr. Abbey should take to heart. In "Patience" one of the young ladies beseeches the Colonel to be early English ere it is too late. It is to be hoped that Mr. Abbey will court the favor of the extant opera public by being a modern era before it is too late.

There ought to be room in this town for more music than that of Wagner, and, in fact, there is. But it must be truly dramatic music, modem in spirit, if not in execution. This conclusion is absolutely forced upon any one who has observed with a free mind the action of the audiences at the Metropolitan since the announcement of the forthcoming change. The patrons of the house seem determined to show that they love German opera and that they wish to hear it. They welcome Mr. Seidl every night with great enthusiasm, and their applause for the singers is more than hearty; it is generous.

There was no lack of enthusiasm last night, and the leading artists were recalled again and again. As for the performance, it can be said that, while it will not efface recollections of some lovely representations given in days gone by, it had merits and some conspicuously fine moments. These were in the climaxes when the principal performers were roused to the level of the situation and did themselves justice.

Herr Guidahus sang Siegfried with a great deal of vigor and with fine effect in places. In the closing passages of the second act he sang excellently, winning very hearty applause. The Wotan was Herr Reichmann, Herr Luria was Alberich, Herr Kemlitz, Mime, Frau Mielke, Br?unhilde, Fran Ritter-G?tze, Erda, and Fr?ulein Broch, the Forest Bird. "Siegfried" will be done at the matin?e, and every seat in the house is already sold.



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