Of particular visual interest in last weekend’s Lohengrin (though not perhaps so tantalizing as Jonas Kaufmann‘s aristocratic bare feet, pictured above) is the very obvious change in the staging that was made between the antegenerale (in which Anja Harteros sang Elsa) and the telecast opening night.

Here we have approximately the same moment in rehearsal and performance.

Not only has the returned Gottfried doffed his single swan wing, but he is in an altogether different costume. At the dress rehearsal he was in a copy of Kaufmann’s first act outfit of slacks, open vest and loose casual white shirt. By the time opening night rolled around, he is in the navy blue military uniform Kaufmann dons for the first part of the second act.

Want to hear something even stranger? Apparently this Saturday’s Met HD telecast of Aïda will feature Roberto Alagna substituting for Olga Borodina in the role of Radamès.

Original of Aïda photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera

La Cieca

James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.

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