Wagner: Lohengrin
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Movie Reviews of Wagner: Lohengrin
Movie Review: A blend of the traditional and the new
Summary: 5 Stars
Wagner's 1850 vision of rapturous stillness, the ecstasy of love and of the strange and terrible beauty that is barely discernable in the eternal silence that rounds our lives, has often been one of the most difficult of his operas to stage. Rudolph Kempe's brilliant 1964 recording on EMI is still the finest recorded version available of this deeply mystical work. Wagner perfected the technique of sonically weaving a cosmic stage upon which human passions play out in his later masterpieces, especially Tristan and Parsifal, but Lohengrin is the headwater of much of his greatest later artistry.
Film director Werner Herzog staged this production under the watchful eye of Bayreuther Festspiele artistic director (and Wagner grandson), Wolfgang Wagner. Herzog was given his marching orders: this production must stay in the repertoire a minimum of five years - "so no trendy antics." By blending the most modern and up-to-date theater technology: smoke, lasers, film back projection, with a deeply traditional stage production, Herzog has essentially created a late 20th century version of a 19th century picture-book world that romantically recreates the primitive 10th century northern-European setting. Nothing exemplifies this more than Lohengrin's sudden, heroic swan-borne entrance through a scrim of laser light and smoke. The effect is electrifying as it is perfectly timed to Wagner's powerful music. Moments such as these work brilliantly in combination with the magnificent sound and exemplary performance of the Bayreuther Festspiele. This time travel telescoping of three temporal sensibilities, crisply focuses (into a slightly more Earthbound vision) Wagner's occasional over-reaching for mythic effects, the very thing that makes his operas so difficult to stage coherently. That is one of this production's greatest strengths, and is well worth a recommendation for that fact alone.
The cast stars Paul Frey as Lohengrin, Manfred Schenk as King Henry the Fowler, and Cheryl Studer as Elsa von Brabant. The orchestra is conducted by Peter Schneider. Their performances are superb, heightened by Bayreuth's absolutely resplendant acoustics. Every note bursts from the stage with a warmth and clarity fostered by the now 150 year old wood from which the stage is constructed. The orchestra, which plays from beneath the covered pit, is similarly rewarded: Wagner's brilliant writing for the brasses is given a warmth and reverberant fullness of tone that is slightly recessed and softened by the wood covering. Unique in the opera world, Bayreuth's stunning acoustics provides an aura of distance, increasing the other-worldly quality of Wagner's music, an effect that is perfect for his operas.
Brilliantly directed by Brian Large, the DVD was filmed in June 1990 and looks crystal clear in this remastered version that runs for 214 minutes. The sound in both PCM stereo and DTS 5.1 is full, rich and life-like. There are the usual DGG menus and translations. A booklet is enclosed.
A blend of traditional staging with new technology, all in the service of a splendid artistic conception, makes this Lohengrin a fine investment for fans of this opera. Most strongly recommended.
Mike Birman
Movie Review: Fairy Tale Lohengrin
Summary: 5 Stars
I have seen 3 DVD productions of Lohengrin -- this one, the MET version with Hoffman/Marton, and the Vienna version with Domingo/Studer. As is often the case, none is "ideal" but I rate this version significantly above the other two. It doesn't have the strongest Lohengrin but Frey is certainly more than adequate. His youthful appearance is a definite asset and if he is a little "wooden", that fits with the otherworldliness of the character. (Domingo, by contrast, is more Melchior-like -- large voice and girth, great for a CD, not so credible for a DVD with many EXTREME CLOSEUPS.) Studer looks and sings well; her costumes (like those of others in this production) are of the generic flowing robes variety -- but they are colorful and can be viewed as both traditional and timeless. (Again, for comparison, the costumes of the Vienna production are probably more accurate for 10th century Europe but are dismal in appearance; coupled with the low lighting and the claustrophobic stage and you have an ugly production.) Ortrud (Schnaut) is a standout (certainly not a lovely voice, but a powerful one well suited for the character; also a good actress). But the overwhelming impression is that of viewing a fairy tale courtesy of the scenery, lighting, and stage movement that Herzog brings to the production. Scenes appear to leap from a children's story book or, perhaps, a medieval book of hours. There are changes of weather (snow), changes of light from night to day, rippling water, and so forth. But the production is not literal like the MET and Vienna Lohengrins. There is a smoke and laser show accompanying Lohengrin's entrance and exit (but it is in keeping with the fairy tale atmosphere). For me, this production reflects the essence of Lohengrin -- a mythological tale that is enhanced by the lighting, colors, and careful arrangement of the singers in living tableaux.Movie Review: Outstanding release!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wonderful news from the DGG vaults. Many of us Wagner lovers are familiar with this cherished production from previous incarnations. But this reincarnation on DVD brings out everything to new life and new focus. Outstanding interpretations from Cheryl Studer as Elsa and Gabriele Schnaut as Ortrud. A little less so the Lohengrin of Paul Frey but we have heard much much worse in recent times. Gorgeous, naturalistic production and staging. No Regietheater or Eurotrash here. It is like balm for the eyes, ears and soul. Again. All in all, this is THE Lohengrin to own. Thank you, DGG. Question for DGG: how much longer before you release on DVD the treasured Bayreuth TANNHAEUSER with Maestro Sinopoli, Studer and others?Movie Review: Magical and Mysterious
Summary: 5 Stars
This is perhaps the most mysterious and magical production of Lohengrin on DVD.
It is aptly interpreted, there are some great visual effects throughout using smoke, lighting and scenery. It is still a traditional rendering, but with a little more emphasis on the mysterious qualities of the drama.
A real feast for the eyes!
Movie Review: Great!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this because I could not stand the Lehnhoff production of Lohengrin (with Lohengrin, in a shiny polyester suit, pretending to compose at the piano on his wedding night, or shortly afterwards). What a world of difference! In the Herzog staging, I can enjoy the opera the way it was meant to be. Buy it, you won't regret it!