Search - Richard Wagner, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis :: Ben Heppner Sings Lohengrin

Heppner's Lohengrin is outstanding!

seamont | San Diego, California | 08/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful CD that serves as both an introduction to Heppner's incredible Heldentenor voice and a nice excerpts disc of Lohengrin. Heppner is known the world over for his interpretation of Wagner and once you here his voice on this disc you'll know why. This is very accessible music for the non-Wagner fan as well and one that I love to listen to time and time again. Heppner's voice moves me like very few others! I can't wait for the next Heppner disc."

A rare Heldentenor triumphing in a lighter role

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Singers who aren't true Heldentenors can still successfully take on the role of Lohengrin, as witness Sandor Konya, Siegfried Jerusalem, Wofgang Windgassen, and Domingo. The last true Heldentenor to master the role was Lauritz Melchior in the 30s and 40s, yet here we have Ben Heppner outshining his illustrious predecessor. Heppner's voice is less stentoriann, more naturally beautiful, and much more lyrical than Melchior's; he is also a more careful musician.



This CD excerpts the best parts of the role, with a few other things, like the Act 1 Prelude, thrown in. The complete recording under Colin Davis from 1994 was sabotaged by the wobbly, unidiomatic Elsa of Sharon Sweet (it more or less ended her recording career), and the compilers have wisely omitted her as much as possible. Therefore we jump directly from the Prelude to Lohengrin's arrival on the swan boat, after which it's basically Heppner all the way. He isn't perfect--he lacks ardor in "In fernen Land," but the quibbles are minor given such a rapturous voice that's unique in opera today."