Word: wagnerian
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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Probably the best-known Wagnerian tenor of the century, Danish-born Lauritz Melchior, retired from the opera stage 19 years ago. Since then, he observes accurately enough, "there has been no one to replace me." One reason is that his major roles require a Heldentenor (heroic tenor), that rare breed of singer with the stature of a Valhalla deity, the projection of a diesel horn and the stamina of a Channel swimmer...
John Russell, 36, has never sung a role with a professional opera company, and only learned about the audition four days ahead of time. As a Negro, he is an unlikely looking Wagnerian hero. The father of six children (soon there will be seven), Russell makes his living as a research chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Philadelphia. Until he started lessons at Philadelphia's Settlement Music School at the age of 26, he had done most of his singing in church choirs and shower -stalls. Instead of a Wagnerian selection, he sang an aria from Verdi...
Both singers will probably end up in Germany next season. Cochran has offers from the Stuttgart and Munich operas, and Russell wants to learn the language while developing his technique in a Wagnerian atmosphere. Meantime, Melchior took them both in tow after the audition for a basic introduction to the Heldentenor regimen: a trip to a Danish restaurant in Manhattan for smorgasbord, aquavit and beer in truly heroic quantities...
...DUTCHMAN, TANNHAUSER, TRISTAN AND ISOLDE, DIE MEISTERSINGER (RCA Victor). These preludes are classics, available in many different interpretations. Here Erich Leinsdorf leads the Boston Symphony with intelligence and vigor. A formidable protege of Toscanini's, Leinsdorf lacks the master's soul, and admirers of the more reflective Wagnerian school may find his performance somewhat grating. Yet those who like their Wagner with discipline and drive will enjoy the record...
GLEN CAMPBELL: HEY, LITTLE ONE (Capitol). Campbell appears on the cover holding an immense guitar, but he sounds as if he were backed by a Wagnerian orchestra. His hoarse dark voice is suitable to such zingy sentiment as the popular Elusive Butterfly and the lushly poignant Woman, Woman. Campbell's inflection may be country, but his delivery is unquestionably urbane...