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Germany Wagner, Siegfried: Soloists, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Sir Simon Rattle (conductor). Isarphilharmonie, Munich 5.2.2023. (ALL)
Cast:
Brünnhilde – Anja Kampe
Siegfried – Simon O’Neill
The Wanderer – Michael Volle
Fafner – Franz‑Josef Selig
Mime – Peter Hoare
Alberich – Georg Nigl
Erda – Gerhild Romberger
Woodbird – Danae Kontora
In 2016, Sir Simon Rattle and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra launched into a brand new recording of Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle, releasing Das Rheingold in 2016 and Die Walküre in 2020. This night was the subsequent step on this undertaking, showcasing the musical partnership that was but to be absolutely realised. At the time, it was not recognized that Rattle would change into the longer term music director of the ensemble, making this efficiency all of the extra intriguing because it supplied a glimpse into what would finally change into a serious musical partnership.
And what an orchestra that is! The strings have been refined and strong, the brass part boasted a variety of dynamics, and the woodwinds have been poetic. The sound was impeccable and homogeneous, expertly crafted by Sir Simon Rattle. He showcased his mastery of orchestration and emphasised the Germanic sound of the orchestra much more than in his performances in Berlin. Rattle’s course ensured a sure transparency and dropped at gentle the intricate particulars that Wagner so fastidiously crafted. The musicians have been absolutely targeted and motivated all through the lengthy night, delivering a efficiency nothing wanting spectacular. Even for many who have heard the opera quite a few occasions, the night was full of recent revelations.
The absence of a staging was noticeable initially however the excessive musical normal shortly established an immersive ambiance. Some of the singers, nonetheless, didn’t fairly match the standard mildew. Georg Nigl’s tone was a bit too gentle to totally seize the darkness of Alberich’s character. Gerhild Romberger’s efficiency was less than her typical requirements as Erda. Danae Kontora stepped in for an unwell Barbara Hannigan and delivered stunning notes, however her rendition of the Woodbird may have benefited from a brighter higher register.
But Franz-Josef Selig was a somber Fafner whose last pages elicited a lot emotion. Peter Hoare, a former percussionist, confirmed his capability to sing whereas banging his hammer on an anvil. He was particularly wonderful within the second act. Anja Kampe is the Brünnhilde of the second and was significantly radiant within the forte passages of her duet with Siegfried. The latter was sung by Simon O’Neill. This tenor from New Zealand was vocally a bit skinny within the large first act, however he had all of the notes, his accuracy impeccable. As the night progressed, he freed himself and conveyed the complete measure of this demanding function in an excellent last duet.
But it was Michael Volle who impressed probably the most within the function of Wotan. His studying had authority, vocal energy, and a capability to precise the textual content ever so strongly. The riddles with Mime have been filled with menace, whereas the confrontation with Siegfried within the third act combined energy and a sure tenderness – Hans Sachs is probably not so far-off. Here is a merely masterful studying that shall be a landmark. Thankfully, it has now been preserved.
This live performance occurred in Munich’s Isarphilharmonie, it’s a cost-effective development, reported at round 30 million euros. The corridor is usually a bit difficult to reach at as a consequence of ongoing metro line renovations which can be inflicting common disruptions, with Sundays as no exception. The ambiance of the constructing is a bit chilly, however that is amply compensated for by its distinctive acoustics and wideness of dynamics. The sound was well-balanced, and a number of other musicians have spoken of the benefit of with the ability to hear one another effectively. Sir Simon Rattle has expressed his need for a brand new corridor close to the Ostbahnhof, though the most recent replace means that it will not be attainable to safe funding for it, nor for the renovation of the outdated Gasteig. It could possibly be that the conclusion of this Ring shall be carried out by the identical artists within the Isarphilharmonie which can truly not be such a nasty factor in spite of everything.
Antoine Lévy-Leboyer