Der Waffenschmied (2004)

"One of Lortzings most congenial operas, produced in Vienna in 1846 and immediately successful. This reissued version (recorded in 1992) is conducted by Leopold Hager with a good ear for Lortzings melodic charm and his attractive orchestration, and with a suitable cast, over whom presides John Tomlinsons handsome-voiced armourer, Stadinger. He sings the operas most famous number, Als ich war ein Jüngling, with warmth and also a touching ruefulness as he reflects on the curly-headed boy he once was. Tomlinson is almost too jovial for the somewhat ruthless father who must be outwitted so that Marie can marry the man of her choice. She is Ruth Ziesak, very appealing in her sad song when she fears she is to be packed off to a convent. Ursula Kunz parades splendidly across the complicated scene as Maries wonderful old bossy-boots governess Irmentraut. The plot is one of Lortzings most complicated, which makes it the more deplorable that this reissue fails to provide a libretto." (J. Warrack, Gramophone)