Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Richard Wagner (1813–1883)

DESCRIPTION

From a standpoint of vocal beauty, it is difficult to imagine a more compelling performance of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Otto Edelmann, as Hans Sachs, delivers sumptuous lyricism without even a hint of strain, and yet one never feels he is playing it safe vocally. Hans Hopf, aged 35 at the time of this performance, delivers Walther’s music with a honey-toned sweetness not previously associated with his artistry. Lisa Della Casa may be the ideal Eva, bringing youthful exuberance as well as steely grit.

At the helm, Hans Knappertsbusch contours the score with the text like no other conductor I have come across.

CAST

Hans Sachs – Otto Edelmann
Walther von Stolzing – Hans Hopf
Eva – Lisa Della Casa
Sixtus Beckmesser – Heinrich Pfanzl
Veit Pogner – Kurt Böhme
David – Gerhard Unger
Magdalena – Ira Malaniuk
Fritz Kothner – Werner Faulhaber
Kunz Vogelgesang – Karl Terkal
Konrad Nachtigall – Walter Stoll
Balthasar Zorn – Karl Mikorey
Ulrich Eisslinger – Joseph Janko
August Moser – Gerhard Stolze
Hermann Ortel – Theo Adam
Hans Schwarz – Heinz Borst
Hans Foltz – Max Kohl
Nachtwächter – Gustav Neidlinger

DETAILS

Location: Bayreuth
Date: 1952
Conductor: Hans Knappertsbusch
Catalogue Number: OD 12286-4
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 4
In Mono

NOTE

Previous versions of this performance were under-pitch; we have corrected this as well as improved the sound.

Act I

Act II

Act III