[curzon]

What do others make of this recent news? Even by the standards of opera withdrawals this seems a particularly curious case. The reason given - the resetting of his son's broken finger in an operation that takes place this week - has bemused many. The pressures of balancing family life and international stardom must be immensely difficult, but this is so for people in many demanding professions. Is the Wanderer, a new role for Terfel, proving a third appearance too many in the forthcoming Ring? Covent Garden must be in despair - Terfel's name pulled in the punters (his first ever complete cycle) and now he won't be appearing. It is not as though it is 'just another Scarpia' - the whole enterprise revolves around Wotan, and Terfel has been the raison d'être from the first Rheingold a few seasons back. At least the world's greatest current Wotan - Sir John Tomlinson - is now singing all performances (he deserves whatever medals are available) - but this may prove to be a turning point in Terfel's career, if he alienates both his employers and the paying public. As the Telegraph commented, he is playing a dangerous game.

I think it's a huge pity and I feel for all the punters who booked for the cycles thinking they were booking for Bryn. I love Tomlinson but I do think that the voice no longer comfortably encompasses the upper reaches of the Rheingold and Walkure Wotans. However I am sure this was not a decision that Bryn took lightly (however it might appear from the outside) and as for affecting his career I doubt very much that it will have any long term effect because he is simply one of the greatest and most charismatic performers before the public today. Look how many times Pavarotti cancelled....

Sebastian

[curzon]

I don't think the critics are mocking him. By and large they are sympathetic, but still feel that a contractual commitment to such a big project as the complete Ring cycles is not just another job. Surely some way could have been found to give Terfel time with his family at the crucial period, and then have something of a sabbatical after the Ring. I still wonder whether the Siegfried had something to do with the decision.

Siegfried as in having to sing Wanderer for the first time or just not wishing to hear John Treleavan again!! lol!

Sebastian