Fisher's Twilight in Budapest: Farewell to this 'Ring' and its Defining Conductor

Budapest bid a resounding farewell to conductor Ádám Fischer and his acclaimed production of Wagner's "Ring" cycle on Sunday. Fischer, often described as unassuming offstage, transformed into a vibrant force at the podium, inspiring his musicians to exceptional performances throughout the cycle's 118 showings.

The final performance of "Götterdämmerung" culminated in thunderous applause and cheers as Fischer took the stage. The ovations honored not only the evening's performance but also Fischer's significant contributions and lifelong work. The production itself, directed by Schörghofer, was also celebrated for its creative ideas and the dynamic energy brought by its singers.

Highlights included inventive staging, such as Mime's educational scene illustrated with naive drawings and Siegfried's jacket representing his body during the funeral march. The cast delivered consistently strong performances, with particular praise for Magnus Vigilius, who embodied a youthful and radiant Siegfried. His portrayal was contrasted with a previous, more aggressive interpretation, showcasing Vigilius's lyrical strengths.

Other notable performances included Jochen Schmeckenbecher as a spirited Alberich, Sorin Coliban as a menacing Fafner, and Jürgen Sacher as an entertaining Mime. Even Derek Welton's solid, albeit somewhat didactic, Wotan/Wanderer could not detract from the overall excellence. The article suggests that Stefan Vinke, who previously performed Siegfried, might be a second choice but compensates with enthusiasm and joy in his performance.