New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-02-13
" DIE WALKUERE. ''

1bo nreparations for WaCncr's Walkuere' can
hardly have been in great state of forwardncs,
when the exgencies of the list compelled the pro
dnction of that drama at the Metropolitan opera
IIouse last night There have lcen many better
performances under Mr.. Seids direction. and few, if
anv less satisfactory II would not be profitable
In spend time placing the fault several persons IN
the cast unequal TO the demands which the drama
makes upon them, but this was not the whole carSc
of the oppression which weighed upon the representa-
ION like a nightmare In spite of the earnest and
lsboruos efforts Of Madame Lehman and Herr Reich
Manu. in spite of capital impersonaton of IlundinS
an the part Of Herr Bchrcns and IN spite
OF the most stenuOds efforts Of Mr. Seidl to lniuse
life into the representation it dragged wouiy during
the first two acts That the last act went better was
perhaps a natural consequence Of the fact That the
incubus removed TO a great extent when the
principal ncOmpecnts disappeared and left the scene
to Lehman, Reichmann. the orchestra and Mr. Seidl
all Of whom knew what the drama expected OF them
and were generously enough equipped TO enable them
10 honor its drafts unsteady well a dramacally
Mr.. Perotti made surprisingly good impression in
he part of Segmund last year. considering ms artistic
antecedents and predictions but last night he iet
MS way through the score rather tlnhdY ana IN the
,ubIime scene of the Valkyras proclamation of death
almost succeeded in taking the heart even ont Of
Madame Lehman. As for the Sieclinde Of Miss
wicsncr il was in every way grevouSN disappointing
The decadence Of this young singer. who promised 50
well at the opening Of the season. is pitful com
mentary on the unwisdom Of attempting 10 sing
modern dramatic roles with imperfect vocal schooling
Those who think that voice and dramatic instincts
suffice TO equip singer for the operate stage. should
study the manner in which Madame Lehman utilize,
her knowledge of the ART Of singing. There is mao
be learned from retrospect OF what she ma arcdN
accomplished this season there Will be more when >le
supplements Wagncrs bru' nnhllde with GcUl -
Norma
None Of the expectation raised by Herr Reich
mann's singing of Woan'S farewell 10 his child az
concert early in the season Wa di>appolntcl ny
his impesOnation of the Lord OF Walhalla last night
Ills assumption of the part led 10 the restoration OF
considerable fragment Of the score which has been
omitted in the representation hltcrto- notably. me
recital OF the events preceding the opening OF the
drama in the first act. II this recital when
prompted witty German critic I'm l-16 70 suggest
that IL II necessary for Bruennhildc t. learn
the contents Of the perlong tale, way wa ohci@
BY which the audience might he spared nclh- toId
what they already knew Wotan might huN the
brettO and give 10 TO BTucnnhde 10 read between the
acts. \ wise eXcslOn was made M the l''fal la0t
night. hut Herr ReiChmann'S Impressive dee lam8tOn
Of the lines restored Of the rcdccmnS features
VI the performance OF the second act Throughout
too. his singing realized many ~ the requirements
NJ Wagners system and score. With two singers in
the company like Fischer and Ec'ohWann no one need
fear the consequences OF change IN the cast far
as the part Of Wotan j. concerned
Cooks coachmen. dressmakeS and house servants
Of all kinds offer ther services IN the short advertise
nents on the ninth page Of The Tribune to-day.