Search - Theodor Uppman, Richard Hageman, Katherine K. Davis :: The Art of Theodor Uppman: Radio Broadcasts, 1954 - 57

Souvenir of a distinguished American vocal artist

klavierspiel | TX, USA | 03/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Theodor Uppman's distinguished career ought to have assured him a greater degree of name recognition among American singers than seems to have happened. A mainstay in the lyric baritone repertory at the Met for almost three decades, he is best known for the creation of the title role in Britten's Billy Budd.



This recording catches Uppman in his vocal prime, in opera and song repertory both familiar and unfamiliar, and reminds us that he had a well-schooled, evenly produced voice of considerable tonal beauty. He was also a sensitive interpreter within a certain range. The more familiar operatic excerpts, such as the arias from "Rigoletto" and "Carmen," reveal certain limitations in his ability to pour out refulgent sound that perhaps explain why he did not essay these roles onstage--in the Toreador Song in particular, Uppman indulges in some unlovely blustering, surprising given his concern with maintaining integrity of musical line elsewhere.



Nevertheless, this is a highly enjoyable album, with some unusual repertory. The sound is period mono and reproduces the voice vividly, the orchestral accompaniments acceptably."