Monday, January 17, 2000
Soffel leads all-star performances in 'Lohen grin'
BY JANELLE GELFAND
The Cincinnati Enquirer
“I will teach you the sweet delights of revenge!” vowed Ortrud, as Friedrich von Telramund wickedly kissed her hand in Act II of Lohengrin Saturday afternoon.
So continued the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's thrilling performance of Wagner's opera not seen here in a quarter century. A stunning cast, on a platform between the CSO and the May Festival Chorus, reigned over this concert production in Music Hall conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos.
Following Act I on Friday, a small but enthusiastic crowd (1,028) returned Saturday afternoon for Act II. Standing out as the heathen Ortrud, German mezzo-soprano Doris Soffel was riveting as she spun the web of doubt that would bring down Elsa and her mysterious knight.
Ms. Soffel's performance was a tour-de-force in this, her American Wagner debut. In her scene with Telramund (baritone Roy Stevens), her searing portrayal was vividly detailed. Her confrontation with Elsa (soprano Margaret Jane Wray) had a sinister chill.
She expressed her dark world with a rich voice, powerful high notes and beautiful line. “Entweihte Gotters,” sung with arms outstretched (calling upon the gods to help make revenge), was devastating. She was rewarded with lengthy ovations at the day's conclusion.
Mr. Stevens, as Telramund, was an excellent foil, adding tension and communicating vividly.
The crowd swelled to 2,003 for Act III Saturday evening, which opened with the famous prelude and “Bridal Chorus.” Ms. Wray (Elsa), tenor Robert Dean Smith (Lohengrin) and bass Charles Austin (King Heinrich) continued to impress.
The love duet between Ms. Wray and Mr. Smith was rapturous; how much more so it would have been had Elsa looked at her beloved. Ms. Wray, whose voice was radiant and effortless, summoned a marvelous range of expression leading up to her forbidden question.
As the swan knight, Mr. Smith was superbly confident. His narration, “In fernem Land,” was spellbinding for his beautiful phrasing.
Mr. Austin offered richly expressive singing, although he was overshadowed by the trombones. As the King's Herald, William McGraw offered another articulate performance. His moments were accompanied by eight trumpets in the balconies; offstage trumpets were simulated by taped recordings in both acts.
The chorus summoned a cleaner performance than Friday's, singing the “Bridal Chorus” lightly and with homogeneity.
Yet, despite the glory of this music, there were perplexing inconsistencies. The orchestra played well, but sometimes seemed to be on autopilot. And how should a concert staging be interpreted? Some soloists half-acted their roles without scores; others stared into their books. Having the soloists so far back was not optimal. (I worried about Ms. Wray, negotiating steps with a torn ligament in her knee.)
But, in the wake of this success — each act received cheering standing ovations — Lohengrin promises to be a season highlight.
Cultivating coral
Sanitation workers recall Dr. King's help
Special events for Martin Luther King Day
Readers irked by pre-election politics as usual
'Millionaire' show in class by itself
Cop in wrong home kills dog
'Hazmat' director is a veteran
Tour at fountain heartens admirers
Bill would alter school fund
Computers enhancing class work
Insurer gives Ohioans a break
Smallmouth bass petition reels in support for state fish
Boone may gain board seat
Mentor opens school door
Police levy on Liberty Twp. ballot
Soffel leads all-star performances in 'Lohen grin'
Teamwork could build facility
GET TO IT
TRISTATE DIGEST
