This uniformly strong cast offers a reminder of how effective Wagner can be when entrusted to singers with both the technical command and the vocal resources to sustain the line, rather than trying to compete with Wagner's orchestration.

Jess Thomas brings an appealing, sweet-toned earnestness to the title role in Lohengrin, though one occasionally wishes for a wider range of vocal color. Claire Watson, as Elsa, sings with notable ease and poise, maintaining the purity of her tone without pressing for effect. As Ortrud, Christa Ludwig balances menace with a certain allure, shaping the role with both authority and nuance.

Her real-life husband, Walter Berry, appears as Telramund, his burnished tone lending weight to the character’s anguish. Martti Talvela and Eberhard Wächter complete the principal cast as Heinrich and the Herald, each matching the over leads in vocal beauty and dramatic command.