Decydująca batalia – rzecz o francuskich "Lohengrinach"
The decisive battle – On French Lohengrins

Summary/Abstract: There are two crucial moments in Richard Wagner’s reception in France. The first one is very well known by opera lovers all over the world: the scandalous, hostile reactions of some spectators (especially members of the Jockey Club) during the three Parisian performances of Tannhäuser in March 1861, reactions which ruined Wagner’s hopes of a career in Paris and in France. The second one, perhaps less well known, is actually much more important: the first performance of Lohengrin at the Palais Garnier, on 16 September 1891, which opened the great Wagnerian era at the Opéra de Paris. Wagner’s posthumous belle époque, which lasted until the First World War, was marked by innumerable famous productions of his operas and music dramas not only in Paris but also in many French provincial theatres. One should remember, however, that Lohengrin’s defnitive triumph in Paris, in 1891, was preceded by a long, fierce battle between Wagner’s supporters and his intransigent enemies. Since 1891, his operas and music dramas have enjoyed a remarkable career on French stages, with Lohengrin always one of the most admired. The author mentions several other performances of this opera and its famous Parisian interpreters.

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