Review: ‘Das Lied von der Erde’ with the Tonhalle Orchester Zurich
May 7, 2019
“Iowa-born tenor Eric Cutler is a recent Lohengrin (Brussels), Erik (Flying Dutchman, Baden-Baden) and Florestan (Hamburg). A great bear of a man in the mould of John Mitchinson, Cutler was mightily impressive. He had, above all, the sheer volume required to override the vast orchestral forces mounted against him in the first song. Cutler was charming in ‘Youth’, accompanied by chirpy, chattering woodwind. In his final song, also telling of drink, Cutler was lusty, evocative through diction and actions, and brought each song to life. Both soloists were telling a story in each case, not just singing the notes. Top notes were successfully reached and most impressively held.”