[Met Performance] CID:170740
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg {278} Matinee Broadcast ed. Metropolitan Opera House: 01/28/1956., Broadcast
(Broadcast
Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
January 28, 1956 Matinee Broadcast
DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NÜRNBERG {278}
Hans Sachs..............Paul Schöffler
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 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.