Recently, we highlighted the importance of consulting newspapers to complete or correct concert listings. This work is paying off, as a rigorous examination has led us to a major discovery.
We know Furtwängler's activities in Lübeck through symphonic concerts, "popular" concerts and even chamber music sessions. In addition to this, "official" documents and known lists show the conductor's activity as a guest of the municipal opera house. Three events were recorded: Die Meistersinger in 1913, Fidelio and The Merry Wives of Windsor in 1915.
How could a fourth opera be overlooked? No one can explain it, but one fact is certain: Furtwängler conducted Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio on 27 March 1914. Not only was he able to rely on the cast of the Stadttheater, but also on two distinguished guests: the tenor Karl Erb and the comic actor Ludwig Flaschner.
The only review of the evening is nothing but praise.