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With the second performance of the afternoon Wagner cycle on Feb. 9, "Rheingold" made its entry into the season's repertoire and set in motion the vastly complicated mechanism of "Der Ring des Nibelungen" given uncut at these matinees. Erich Leinsdorf conducted and Leopold Sachse had charge of the stage. For the most part the r?les were bodied forth by singers well and favorably known in their parts. Friedrich Schorr was the Wotan and Karin Branzell the Fricka. Both had moments of vocal splendor. As Loge, Rene Maison was sinister and adroit. The dwarfs Alberich and Mime, were ably impersonated by Adolf Vogel and Karl Laukoetter. The giants were Emanuel List as Fafner and Herbert Alsen as Fasolt, the latter as throaty as in his earlier appearances in other r?les. Erich Witte sang Froh and Hilda Burke, Freia.

Most important of the changes from the casting of former "Rheingold"s was that which brought the voice of Rise Stevens to the music of Erda for the first time in New York. The personal charm which has played no trivial part in the young American contralto's current successes as Mignon and Octavian, was of no avail to her in the semi-darkness that surrounds the prophetess. Miss Stevens sang warmly and by no means inexpressively. But the music demands a heavier and more completely settled voice. In its present estate, hers is a lyric organ.

Julius Huehn again proved himself the best Donner of many years and it was a pleasure to note the fine quality of Lucielle Browning's voice in the choiring of the Rhine Maidens, her companions being Thelma Votipka and Doris Doe. Collectively the Nyxies gave a much happier account of their hymning of the gold in the first scene than in the last.

Search by season: 1938-39

Search by title: Das Rheingold, Ring Cycle [65] Uncut,

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