[Met Performance] CID:170740



Die Meistersinger von N?rnberg
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, January 28, 1956 Matinee Broadcast





Die Meistersinger von N?rnberg (278)
Richard Wagner | Richard Wagner
Hans Sachs
Paul Sch?ffler

Eva
Lisa Della Casa

Walther von Stolzing
Albert Da Costa

Magdalene
Hertha Glaz

David
Paul Franke

Beckmesser
Gerhard Pechner

Pogner
Giorgio Tozzi

Kothner
John Brownlee

Vogelgesang
Thomas Hayward

Nachtigall
Calvin Marsh

Ortel
Osie Hawkins

Zorn
Alessio De Paolis

Moser
Gabor Carelli

Eisslinger
James McCracken

Foltz
Lorenzo Alvary

Schwarz
Lawrence Davidson

Night Watchman
Clifford Harvuot


Conductor
Rudolf Kempe







Review 1:

Review of Francis D. Perkins in the Herald Tribune

'Meistersinger' is Repeated at Met; Schoeffler is Sachs

Wagner's "Die Meistersinger" was repeated at the Metropolitan Opera House yesterday afternoon, when Paul Schoeffler made his first appearance of the season as Hans Sachs, and Albert Da Costa sang Walther for the second time. Although the performance was competing with itself via the radio, it was sold out, and this suggests that the work's public appeal continues to match its artistic status.

Musically and visually, Mr. Schoeffler gave a complete characterization of one of the most sympathetic figures in the Wagnerian cosmos. His admirably produced voice revealed the full range of Sachs' emotions in an interpretation marked by unfailing musicianship; there was vividness, dignity and warmth of personality which corresponded to that of his voice.

Mr. Da Costa, who had made a notable impression in his first Walther on Jan. 11, repeated it in his second appearance. The twenty-nine year old American tenor gave an expressively discerning and musicianly performance, dramatically convincing and unaffected. He sang with command of phrase and line, continuity and clarity of tone. His bright highest notes sometimes suggested a certain caution, but he showed wisdom and forethought in not forcing his voice and handicapping the prospect of a fuller tone in this register later on. His dynamic shading indicated judgment and understanding with ample carrying power, and the Prize Song gave no hint of fatigue.

The vocal standard was also high in the other leading rules, and particularly in the clearness and ingratiating timbre of Lisa Della Casa's persuasive Eva. Giorgio Tozzi and Gerhard Pechner both avoided the dryness of tone which sometimes besets Pogner and Beckmesser. Herta Glaz reappeared as Magdalene and Paul Franke, as David. The musical interpretation under Rudolf Kempe's conductorship was laudable for its lucidity, pace and balance, and Dino Yannopoulos' stage direction, avoiding pose and stiffness, gave dramatic conviction.



Search by season: 1955-56

Search by title: Die Meistersinger von N?rnberg,



Met careers