Andreas Mattersberger / Anmeldelser

"Martha oder der Markt zu Richmond" was Friedrich von Flotow's big opera hit from 1847. And if the cheering audience at the premiere has anything to do with it, that will also be true in Innsbruck. Seokwon Hong is at the helm of the playful TSOI. The Kapellmeister does not always choose the ideal tempi - at the beginning of the second act there are audible bumps between the orchestra and the stage - but the music is still fiery. The chorus and extra chorus were finely rehearsed by Michel Roberge, and the romantic choruses reach the audience powerfully. Susanne Langbein shines as "Martha", who enjoys the role up to the top notes and never really seems overwhelmed. Camilla Lehmeier as "Nancy" is ideally cast, she also convinces with mischievous acting. Bass-baritone Andreas Mattersberger shows himself from the best side as "Plumkett". Vocally powerful, bombproof and wonderful as an actor, he sings his way into the hearts of the audience. Joshua Whitener doesn't look quite as safe as "Lyonel". Clean in the high register, expressive and present, nevertheless he has problems with the German language in some passages. Johannes Maria Wimmer is also perfectly cast as Lord Tristan. Thanks to the costumes by Michael D. Zimmermann and the careful direction by Anette Leistenschneider, Andreas Becker's stage looks like a perfect triumvirate. Conclusion: A sparkling, funny, carefree evening at the opera.

It has become quiet about the world success of Friedrich von Flotow (1812 - 1883). After all, his opera, which premiered in Vienna on November 25th, 1847, was in the second half of the 19th century. the world's most performed opera. No tenor of any repute missed Lyonel's parade aria “Ach, so fromm”, no soprano missed the simple folk song “Last Rose”, in whatever language. After an absence of almost 50 years, von Flotow's successful opera returned to the TLT stage and was welcomed with open arms by the applauding premiere audience. The local opera management always succeeds in bringing highly talented young singers together to form a cohesive ensemble. In the demanding, sometimes underestimated title role, audience favorite Susanne Langbein achieved great success. Her charming voice has gained in volume, the coloratura is sparkling, the "Last Rose" is performed free of operatic pathos. Thanks to her girlish appearance and her talent for playing, she is - with all due respect - an acoustic and optical "treat". Camilla Lehmeier, blessed with a particularly melodious mezzo-soprano and an exuberant joy of playing, represents a luxury cast for Lady Harriet's (= Martha) confidante Nancy. No wonder that the initially rough tenant Plumkett (Andreas Mattersberger) falls in love with her right away . The internationally active and successful East Tyrolean bassist, who is extraordinarily popular in Innsbruck, with the magnificently developed vocal material, has found a new parade part with this role, with which he can succeed, especially since he also knows how to convince as an actor. You can already look forward to your Leporello next season. The American tenor Joshua Whitener was engaged and warmly celebrated for the Lyonel. A Lyonel straight out of a picture book – charming appearance, sensitive playing and equipped with a radiant, beautifully timbred lyrical tenor – opera heart, what more could you want?