| Lohengrin |
Studio recording in stereo |
May 14-28, 1994 |
| Conductor: Colin Davis |
| König Heinrich | | Jan-Hendrik Rootering |
| Lohengrin | | Ben Heppner |
| Elsa | | Sharon Sweet |
| Telramund | | Sergei Leiferkus |
| Ortrud | | Eva Marton |
| Der Heerrufer | | Bryn Terfel |
| Ein Edle | | Anton Rosner |
| Ein Edle | | Heinrich Weber |
| Ein Edle | | Dankwart Siegele |
| Ein Edle | | Jürgen Weiss |
Chor und Sinfonieorchester des
Bayerischen Rundfunks
Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper |
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| RCA, 0 9026 62646 2 |
3 CDs |
DDD |
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Review by Peter Bochkov
I saw the name of Ben Heppner in the cast of new Met's production of
Lohengrin. Recently I've bought a fine Met's Siegfried on video and I
thought Levine's choice of the title role was at the same level. In
addition I saw names of sir Colin Davis, Eva Marton and Sergei Leiferkus
at the cover of the set. That's why I bought this recording.
At first I was disappointed because the singing was weak. Ben Heppner
can't be compared not only with the greatest Lohengrins of the past, but
with modern singers either. His voice lacks dramatic power of Jess
Thomas and lyrical attractiveness of Sándor Kónya. I didn't expect
Sergei Leiferkus to appear as Telramund. I was used to admire him as
Onegin, Rangoni & Jago. And here he confirmed his fine reputation of
dramatic baritone.
Eva Marton is good as Ortrud but inexpressive in comparison with Varnay
or Waltraud Meier. Sharon Sweet is a nice, vulnerable Elsa with
sympathetic voice. Sir Colin Davis is one of my most favorite conductors
especially after listening to his Bohema and Peter Grimes. Although at
this very set his conduction is skilled and impressive, it lacks of
Kempe's radiance.
Unfortunally I can't assume this recording among his greatest achievments.
This is a professional recording, but in my opinion it lacks of true
Wagnerian passion and sense of holiness. A Spirit of Holy Grail and the
pathos of pagan gods were lost. I'll be glad if somebody objects with me.
But frankly speaking I wouldn't advise buying this recording - neither
experienced Wagnerian nor beginners.
This review is from the now closed Wagner on the Web and it is published
without the author's consent. I haven't been able to get in touch with him.
If the author reads this, please contact me as soon as possible. If you
don't want it here, I'll take it of the site immediately. |
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