Wagner: Lohengrin - Rysanek, Konya, Varnay, Blanc, Engen, Waechter, Stolze; Cluytens. Bayreuth, 1958
$12.95
Listen to a Sample:
It is rare that two great Wagnerian sopranos get to share a stage, but when it happens the results can be electrifying. This recording is a great example of this. Leonie Rysanek and Astrid Varnay were very different singers and although both possessed voices that were Wagnerian, they shared few roles. What they did share in common was a magnetism and intensity on stage which seemingly grew exponentially when they were together. Sandor Konya is excellent as the Swan-Knight. He was one of those rare singers (much like Jonas Kaufmann today) who are able to bring the best attributes of German and Italian style into one glorious package. The sound is excellent.
BONUS:
Leonie Rysanek sings excerpts from Tannhäuser and Die Walküre
OD 10719-3