“DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE : Mozart
Original Air Date: 01/22/1977
Cast: Conlon; Valente, Burrows, Uppman, Shane, Plishka
Media: Live Broadcast SID.18390318 Tags: Archive; 2018, Mozart
This is a solid cast, with Valente bearing strong Mozartian credentials, as does Burrows with a studio complete under Solti. Maybe most notable for a future Broadway composer Adam Guettel (RRodgers’ grandson) as one of the Genie.
*****
SR: This Zauberfloete features old and new performers in a well-balanced performance. The conductor, James Conlon, was in his debut engagement; and the Sarastro, Paul Plishka, was doing his only series in the role (one of his first major roles). The talented Benita Valente was especially noted for her Mozart roles.
On the lesser known and underappreciated front, we have a sparkling Rita Shane as the Queen of the Night. Finally, on the veteran front, we have Theodore Uppman, doing the last of his 60 Papagenos at the Met.
All in all, an enjoyable Mozart outing.”