Lohengrin is often cut at Act 3 at In fernem Land (In distant land) usually
the excuse is that it is too long.  I bought a LP version years ago which
is complete (Leinsdorf with the Boston Symphony Orchestra on RCA Victor)
timed at 3 hours 36 minutes.  English National Opera (ENO) did Lohengrin
complete a few years back.  Unfortunately most of the principle singers
went down with the flu so it became more of a croaking session except for
the chorus who were fantastic.  The swan was done by a dancer with one wing
flapping about all over the place which I suppose is better than no swan
at all.  Rienzi is normally cut as well.  The ENO did a cut version a few
years back but even that seemed to sag in places.

Tim Horwood
[log in to unmask]