Placido Domingo about Gordon Hawkins as Alberich
Watch/ListenRecent appearance:
September 30, 2016 - 07:30 PM:
Taiwan National Opera
Taiwan
Role: Alberich
Also on October 2
Live Broadcast on the facade of the new National Taichung Theatre on September 30, 2016
April 30, 2016 - 06:00 PM:
Washington National Opera
Washington, DC
“(…) this Alberich was a conniver, not a mindless thug whose sole train of thought was bound for violence. Hawkins delivered ‘Sei treu, Hagen, mein Sohn! Trauter Helde!—Sei treu! Sei treu!—Treu!’ with tone that both evoked the decay of death and grippingly conveyed the eternal magnetism of revenge. A Hagen such as Halfvarson could only have been the son of an Alberich such as Hawkins, whose vocalism was all the more effective as the sound of corruption and iniquity because it was so appealing.”
– Voix des Arts, “Götterdämmerung” review, May 2016
“Stand-Out Performances. One of the most memorable performers was American baritone Gordon Hawkins as Alberich. […] Hawkins sang the part powerfully and, even more impressive, acted it in ways that brought out all the complicated characteristics of the part. The scene in ‘Twilight’ when he’s almost seductively urging his son Hagen to kill Siegfried and steal back the ring is a prime example of the dual nature of the cycle as an intimate epic.”
– The Georgetowner review, 2016
“Gordon Hawkins was once again a memorable Alberich (….). Mr. Hawkins has the kind of deep, yet malleable voice that perfectly suits his nasty, resentful, spiteful character in ‘Rhinegold’.”
– CDN opening night review, 2016
“Gordon Hawkins’s Alberich had such a warmth and nobility that one keenly felt the tragedy of his position.”
– The Washington Post, “Siegfried” review, 2016
“Gordon Hawkins’ raging, malevolent Alberich was the standout (…) in Das Rheingold. Hawkins is also Siegfried’s most vocally and dramatically impressive character, his voice ringing forth with stygian Wagnerian splendor.”
– Review from Premiere, 2006
Ring Cycle (1): April 30, May 2,4,6
Ring Cycle (2): May 10,11,13,15
Ring Cycle (3): May 17,18,20,22
Role: Alberich
Watch/ListenFrom a personal standpoint, maintaining a musical and dramatic arc over the course of four operas ( and 3 complete cycles! ) is like getting to a “fourth dimension” of operatic work. It is a huge and beautiful artistic, personal and emotional challenge. Contrary to what many people think, Wagner’s music is as transparent as it is grandiose. All dramatic moments are in full view and there is no place to cast or hide. When all this is mixed together, one can not help but allow oneself to give in completely to the total and wonderful experience – creating unique emotional moments – not only for all of us on stage and behind the scenes, but also for – and especially with – our audiences.”
The four operas “Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried” and “Götterdämmerung” were written separately and in reverse order.
Wagner wrote the music later and in chronological order. Although performed as separates, the four pieces were always considered to be viewed in the context of a cycle. In the cycle, Alberich represents the ruler of the Nibelungen.