BWW Reviews: Kaufmann and Dasch Triumph in HD Broadcast of LOHENGRIN from La Scala, Despite Directorial Missteps

The production was filled with absurd touches: Instead of Lohengrin's arrival as Elsa's white knight, he was cast ashore, a huddled mass of jelly as if out of "The Bourne Identity"--and both characters seemed more or less unhinged. While it has been common to dispense with the traditional swan boat for Lohengrin's arrival and departure, the use of handfuls of feathers was just plain silly, looking like a duvet had exploded on the set.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the spectacle of the lead couple splashing around in the marshes--nearly hip-deep in water. It was more laugh-provoking than sensual and Dasch looked like she was wondering whether the trip to Milan was worth the effort, as she waded around in her wedding dress.

The two other major characters were less salubriously cast. These "evil twins"--Telramund and Ortrud, sung by baritone Tomas Tomasson and soprano Evelyn Herlitzius, respectively--both disappointed, though it was reported (but not announced) that Tomasson was indisposed. Herlitzius was more histrionic than frightening, of the eye-rolling school of acting, and lacked power at the bottom of her range.

It's great that these HD performances exist, to show us outstanding artists in roles not currently available locally--and make no mistake, Kaufmann and Dasch gave exemplary performances. They confirm that opera is alive and well, despite the efforts of capricious directors.

The Details

"LOHENGRIN," an opera in three acts, by Richard Wagner

Opening night, December 7, 2012, La Scala, Milan

HD performance by the "Opera in Cinema" series from Emerging Pictures, January 20, 2013

Creative Team

Conductor...Daniel Barenboim

Director...Claus Guth

Sets and costumes...Christian Schmidt

Lighting...Olaf Winter

Cast

Heinrich der Vogler...René Pape

Lohengrin...Jonas Kaufmann