"He becomes the dramatic anchor of the production, dominating the stage while giving coherence to Wotan’s deeply conflicted psyche."

American baritone Daniel Scofield joined the production just two days before the premiere following the sudden withdrawal of Matthias Goerne. Despite never having sung Wotan before (though he covered the role in 2023) and having minimal rehearsal time, Scofield makes his debut with remarkable assurance. Watching him, one would never suspect the circumstances. He becomes the dramatic anchor of the production, dominating the stage while giving coherence to Wotan’s deeply conflicted psyche. His German is excellent and intelligently delivered.

Wotan is an exhausting role, from the 15-minute Act II monologue to the long Act III farewell with Brünnhilde. Scofield negotiates the full emotional spectrum — frustration with Fricka, tenderness, fury and compassion with Brünnhilde — with seemingly effortless command. His legato is strong, his vocal palette ample, and his use of nuance and dynamics finely judged. The Act III confrontation is a highlight, each repetition of ‘gegen mich doch’ (‘against me’) carrying a different inflection. That this is his first outing in the role makes the achievement all the more extraordinary. It is a towering performance. https://playstosee.com/reviews/die-walkure-4/