Comments on: Too Depressing To Write About? Leo Fall’s “Die Kaiserin” At Theater Baden

By: Robert WENNERSTEN

Robert WENNERSTEN — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:49:52 +0000

Die Kaiserin was one of Massary’s favorite operettas. so the original production must have been way better than this one. Given the runtime ratio to music, if this operetta is to succeed the leading lady must not only be a first-rate singer but also an accomplished actress who can play more than two thirds of the piece without musical support.

By: John Groves

John Groves — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:39:48 +0000

I do know the score: I have the Emmy Schlemm/Franz Fehringer/Franz Marszalek 1953 recording – there is only 50 minutes or so of music on the CDs and there was only 50 minutes in the 160 minutes of the show as performed at Baden! It really seemed like a play with the occasional song! It would be interesting if Gerald and Tony were to see this same production and air their thoughts on ORCA. I was very disappointed, if only because the previous evening’s operetta, Maske in Blaue, had been superb!

By: kevin

kevin — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:35:00 +0000

From the many conversations with John, I’m pretty sure he has an open mind. It’s unfortunate that he had to sit through such a boring production. His verdict on Fall is simular to what happens with with the many CPO releases: critics hear these rarities and believe they are boring and not worth reviving, just because the modern-day recordings are such a bore. (Often.) Yet, even though this applies to nearly all such performances and CD releases, few companies dare to do it differently.

By: Gerald Frantzen

Gerald Frantzen — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 02:54:34 +0000

I love this score! Great tunes right from the get go! I cannot vouch for the production, but I can say that Leo Fall wrote a great score. The reviewer should be thrilled that he was able to hear the score live, let alone see the show as well. Is it possible that the reviewer didn’t know the score? He mentions Schock but then trashes the music in his review- perhaps he should have recused himself and let someone with a more open mind review the it. We would all be better served in this manner.

By: Tony Strangis

Tony Strangis — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 01:28:53 +0000

This does sound like a depressingly bad evening, alas, but the score really shouldn’t be unmemorable. Like all Leo Fall, it is full of wonderful things that are delightful even when I pound through the vocal score at the piano. I’m sorry to read this lovely music didn’t come through in the production.

By: Kevin Clarke

Kevin Clarke — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:05:53 +0000

Judging by the video trailer the music sounds rather ‘memorable’ to my ears, even if the performance could use a little more bounce. But it’s still catchy Leo Fall…. that with the right singing actors and conductor can easily sweep you along.