So how was the Met’s luxury deputy in Wozzeck? First review here

When Thomas Hampson fell sick hours before the show, there was a momentary wobble. Then the Met called in superhero Matthias Goerne, who had sung a Schubert recital at Carnegie Hall the night before and Wozzeck with the Vienna Phil a week before. With no more than a glimpse of the general rehearsal and a quick fitting, Goerne  went on that vast stage and sang Wozzeck.

How was it? A hint: Placido Domingo leaped to his feet applauding at the curtain. Our New York operavores Elizabeth Frayer and Shawn E Milnes were there. Click here for their rapid review.

Sample:  I found Matthias Goerne’s performance to be harrowing.  His Wozzeck was both terrifying and pathetic yet sympathetic.  A disturbing yet appropriate combination.  His barreling physicality lent a man-child aspect to the performance that only deepened my compassion for him, even as it repulsed me.