[Met Performance] CID:136940



Siegfried
Ring Cycle [73] Uncut
Metropolitan Opera House, Tue, February 22, 1944




Siegfried (197)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Siegfried
Lauritz Melchior

Br?nnhilde
Helen Traubel

Wanderer
Herbert Janssen

Erda
Kerstin Thorborg

Mime
Karl Laufk?tter

Alberich
Frederick Lechner

Fafner
Emanuel List

Forest Bird
Nadine Conner


Conductor
George Szell


Director
Lothar Wallerstein

Set Designer
Hans Kautsky

Set Designer
Jonel Jorgulesco


Ring Cycle [73] Uncut







Siegfried received two performances this season.
Jorgulesco designed the set only for Act III, Scene 2.
Traubel's costume was designed by Adrian.

Review 1:

Review of Oscar Thompson in the New York Sun:

Wagner's "Siegfried" went its appointed way in the progress of the Metropolitan's "Ring" cycle last night. This was one of the company's better performances. As in "Rheingold" and "Die Walk?re," the conducting of George Szell was stimulating and assured. Orchestra and singers were held in a firm and generally eloquent ensemble. One could only feel sorry for the off-stage player when Siegfried's horn took a notion to emulate the "greatest hero's" futile reed in the birdling nonsense. But the "Forest murmurs" music was delectably played.

Lauritz Melchior was in robust good voice for the name part. At this late date no one will expect him to modify his bits of extraneous comedy, though some may continue to wish that he would not lie down on his tummy and kick his heels. By and large, he is a convincing Siegfried. Helen Traubel does not find the second of the Br?nnhildes an easy role. She did not attempt the optional final high C and she cut one of the others. But she has gained in acting routine and save when the music soars beyond a comfortable range she sings the part with an often stirring opulence of tone.

Last night's Wanderer was the first anywhere for Herbert Janssen. Though his voice was scarcely heavy enough for the Erda scene his was a highly creditable achievement and one soundly based on the traditions of the part. Kerstin Thorborg's Erda was vitally sung. The Mime of Karl Laufk?tter and the Alberich of Frederick Lechner were able impersonations, though Alberich could have been gruffer and several degrees fiercer. Vocally. Emanuel List's Fafner was what it has always been, but the dragon showed an apparently new face to his audience in the fight with Siegfried. Nadine Conner's Forest Bird remained on pitch and piped distinctly. Lothar Wallerstein had charge of the stage.



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