Opera Scotland

Barbier von Bagdad 1956Hamburg State Opera

Read more about the opera Barber of Baghdad

Leopold Ludwig and his Hamburg forces had gained invaluable experience in 1952 when they had brought substantial pieces such as Fidelio, Meistersinger and Rosenkavalier to the diminutive King's. Perhaps that is why the only truly large-scale item on the 1956 programme was Salome. Then again, in 1968 they would come back with the Dutchman and Elektra.

In addition to Salome, the 1956 visit included Die Zauberflöte, a double-bill of little-known Stravinsky pieces, Oedipus Rex and Mavra, with a real rarity in the delightful comedy The Barber of Bagdad by Peter Cornelius.

Here, the title role was taken by a notable bass of the period, Arnold van Mill. Two young Hungarians take the romantic leads - Sándor Kónya, in particular, had an international career in the sixties, including singing Wagner at Bayreuth.