KEMPE'S LOHENGRIN

The true hero of this performance is the conductor: Rudolf Kempe. He has long been considered one of the greatest Wagnerians and his conducting proves this opinion. The wonderful orchestra and choir of the Bayreuth Festival perfectly accomplish his conception. According to my opinion nobody can match with the portrayal of Lauritz Melchior the greatest Lohengrin (and Wagner tenor) for ever. Sándor Kónya in the title role is also far from the genius of Melchior but he gives a very good job. He represents the artistical approach of Franz Völker. They belong to the transcendent, spiritual, lirical so-called „silver tone” Lohengrins. In the role of Elsa Heather Harper follows the reading of Maria Müller, Eleanor Steber, Elisabeth Grümmer and Pilar Lorengar and instead of using a big voice she gives us a nuanced portrait. Grace Hoffman is very good as Ortrud but she cannot match with the intensity of Astrid Varnay. Donald McIntyre is one of the best Telramunds I have ever heard full with passion but this never comes at the expense of singing. The young Karl Ridderbusch a newcomer in Bayreuth is convincing in the role of the King with beautiful high voices but a little bit far from the earlier impersonators of this role. Thomas Tipton as the Heerrufer is acceptable. I think it was one of the last minutes when this opera could be performed to such a high standard.