This performance of Die Schweigsame Frau may have been the first time the opera was heard in Buenos Aires. It is a long and sometimes rambling opera with certain points being made over and over again. It needs some trimming, especially for a generally non-German speaking audience. Maestro Wallberg took note and trimmed it considerably, perhaps too much so. Nevertheless, the performers believe in the piece and make it go.Böhme is a delight as the curmudgeonly Morosus with a Noise phobia. He reaches all the way down to low D-flats that even sung offstage can be heard. He also brings a sympathetic charm to the role that makes his outbursts more bearable. To his nephew Henry, Wunderlich brings a beautiful voice and winning manner, a must when his character is a rather sneaky, underhanded chap. Hallstein sings Aminta with radiant tone and lovely, secure high Ds and Es that would have been even more in evidence had Wallberg not cut so much of her music. Friedrich is a terrific Barber going back and forth between song and speech very easily. The supporting cast is superb.The sound is excellent though the last eight minutes or so of Act Two sound like they were spliced in from an inferior source.If you enjoy Strauss' operas, you'll like this; but do try to hear a less abridged performance too!

richard strauss and stefan zweig: it is a dream, the booth masters: prima de parole, doppo la musica; prima la musica doppo le parole