{"title":"NILSSON, Birgit","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"der-ring-des-nibelungen-bohm-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Adam, Windgassen, Rysanek, King; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the enormous achievement of the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, Birgit Nilsson always maintained that she preferred her performance on the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e issued by Phillips from the 1966 and 1967 seasons at Bayreuth. She felt that there was an excitement that came through in this live performance which was lost in the many takes that Solti, ever the perfectionist, insisted upon. Although I love the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, I have always agreed with Nilsson in her assessment that the Böhm's reading had a fire that Solti's technicolor \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e lacked. This performance comes from when the production was new and sports many of the same singers with a few interesting and welcome variations. Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen are simply brilliant as Brünnhilde and Siegfried. There was a chemistry that these two artists had together that created an electricity that was even greater than the sum of their combined artistry. Leonie Rysanek delivers a wild, passionate Sieglinde and she is joined by James King, who in my opinion, is one of the greatest Siegmund's to ever have walked the earth. Theo Adam takes on the younger Wotans while Josef Greindl sings the Wanderer in \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e. This practice has fallen out of favor somewhat, but it works well here since Adam's baritonal Wotan plays much younger than Josef Greindl avuncular yet world-weary bass (in the Phillips version Adam would sing all three Wotans). Other variations in casting from the Phillips release all add up to net gains. Lili Chookasian steps in as Erda and delivers rich earthy tones. Martti Talvela treats us to one of the most suave Hundings you are likely to hear anywhere and Kerstin Meyer takes the place of Martha Mödl as Waltraute. Despite my devotion to Mödl, Meyer's voice is much fresher than Mödl's. To go into depth on all the great singers who participated in this Cycle would take up more room than I permit myself in these blurbs, but additional kudos must go to Anja Silja as Freia, Thomas Stewart as one of the greatest Gunthers ever, Ludmila Dvorakova as Gutrune, and Martti Talvela's dignified Fasolt. Karl Böhm's fleet tempos give Wagner's massive orchestra a lightness that is difficult to achieve and whereas other conductors often get seduced by the lush colors of the orchestration, Böhm always lets the vocal line dictate the pacing, giving the singers a chance to sing the text with an organic quality more akin to the natural cadence of the German. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10910-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292667035784,"sku":"10910-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098661572,"sku":"MP3 10910-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10910-12front.jpg?v=1751037337"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-greindl-wohlfahrt-neidlinger-bohme-chookasian-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Nilsson, Greindl, Wohlfahrt, Neidlinger, Böhme, Chookasian; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust a year before the famous Philips release of the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, this performance proves to be a very satisfying dry-run. The cast is almost identical with the very notable exception of Josef Greindl as the Wanderer. Greindl's voice could not have been more different than his colleague, Theo Adam, who would take over the role the following year. Greindl was a true bass and with a black color which made him a fantastic Hagen. Surprisingly he displays a softer side as the Elder Wotan and copes remarkably with the higher parts of this role. Wolfgang Windgassen takes the title role. Windgassen sounds as fresh as ever and creates a Siegfried that leans more towards inexperienced hero as opposed to spoiled brat. Birgit Nilsson is well worth the wait in her final scene. The voice seems to have endless power and security on top and she seems to relish holding the final C as long as possible.  It is also worth mentioning Lili Chookasian whose brief appearence as Erda in Act III is quite memorable.  (She was not featured on the Phillips release.)  The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10908-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666806408,"sku":"10908-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251524,"sku":"MP3 10908-3","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10908-3front.jpg?v=1751037330"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-greindl-stewart-meyer-neidlinger-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Greindl, Stewart, Meyer, Neidlinger; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it is hard to imagine a time in which you could go see a performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e which not only featured legendary singers in the main roles but also assembled a supporting cast which did not contain one weak link. Birgit Nilsson is an unstoppable force of nature as Brünnhilde whose vocal power is only matched by the beauty of her voice (a rare pairing in Wagner.) Although Wolfgang Windgassen, by his own admission, was never a true heldentenor, his solid technique and intelligence carry him a long way, and if at times we miss the ringing tones of someone like Lauritz Melchior, he more than makes up for it with the youthful quality he brings to the role. Josef Greindl's black bass delivers a formidable, yet almost reptilian, Hagen. Thomas Stewart's Gunther is a true luxury. So often this part is overlooked by great baritones, perhaps given the unsympathetic nature of the character, but in the hands of a great singer one sees that there are many opportunities to shine and Stewart does just that. Likewise for the Gutrune of Ludmila Dvorakova, a fine Brünnhilde herself, whose attractive slavic sound makes the character come across as a legitimate threat to Brünnhilde and Siegfried's union irrespective of any love potions. In an interesting variation from the Phillips set, we are treated to Kerstin Meyer's Waltraute in place of Martha Mödl. Although you will never hear me say a bad thing about Mödl's artistry, it is no secret that by 1967 the voice was pretty much in tatters. And although Meyer doesn't achieve the magnetic quality that Mödl brought to every character she did, her vocal achievements are very much welcome. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10909-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666773640,"sku":"10909-4","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099220612,"sku":"MP3 10909-4","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10909-4front.jpg?v=1751037329"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-frick-stewart-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick, Stewart, Collier, Kraus, Jones, Hunter; Solti.  London, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e can be viewed as a precursor to \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e’s later studio Ring cycle, sharing as it does three of the principal voices: \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it may cede some ground in terms of musical precision, the trade-off is a palpable sense of theatrical urgency—driven both by adrenaline and an audience keenly attuned to the event’s singular intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e brings imperious authority to Brünnhilde, her vocal control and dramatic insight forming the dramatic core of the evening. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e captures Siegfried’s youthful bravado with vigor, while \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes a Hagen of uncommon poise and tonal refinement, among the most distinguished on record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe supporting cast reads like a catalogue of emergent talent: \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a notably empathetic Gutrune, and \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e is persuasive in both vocal and physical stature as Gunther. \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e lends gravity to Fricka, while future luminaries \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e appear in smaller roles as Wellgunde and the Third Norn, respectively, offering early glimpses of their future promise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Holt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarete Elkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 14, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10286-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292656976008,"sku":"10286-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099219716,"sku":"MP3 10286-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50972773253441,"sku":"FLAC 10286-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10286-4front.jpg?v=1762672411"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-stolze-solti","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Ward, Nilsson, Stolze, Kraus; Solti.  London, 1962","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAs with the \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e from the following season, this performance of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e carries the impression of a preparatory effort for the later Decca studio recording. Under \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e, the reading is notably driven—at times strikingly swift, even within the span of three discs—yet the urgency rarely feels imposed for its own sake. Instead, it appears to galvanize the cast, who respond with a marked sense of assurance in their respective roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e brings a notably youthful timbre to the title role, sustaining a freshness of tone that remains intact from beginning to end—no small achievement in so demanding a part. If the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e is a marathon, then the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e is a fifty-yard dash. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e seems to relish the challenge of entering at full tilt, as if leaping onto a speeding train without the luxury of warming up on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOne can hardly overstate the artistry of \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e, whose Mime emerges as both deeply menacing and, at moments, unexpectedly sympathetic. It is a portrayal that deserves far more consistent recognition in discussions of great Wagner singers. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e gives a finely measured performance as Wotan, marked by steadiness and musical intelligence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWOLFGANG WINDGASSEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGERHARD STOLZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOTAKAR KRAUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eJOSEPH ROULEAU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH SIEWERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBIRGIT NILSSON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Stimme des Waldvogels – \u003cstrong\u003eBARBARA HOLT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 7, 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10293-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292656681096,"sku":"10293-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251716,"sku":"MP3 10293-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51541952037185,"sku":"FLAC 10293-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10293-3front.jpg?v=1774618388"},{"product_id":"bartok-bluebeard-castle-birgit-nilsson-ferenc-fricsay","title":"Bartok: Bluebeard's Castle (In German) - Nilsson, Sönnerstedt; Fricsay, Stockholm, 1953","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eBluebeard's Castle\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBéla Bartók (1881–1945)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cb\u003eBluebeard's Castle\u003c\/b\u003e holds particular interest for capturing a young \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e in the role of Judith. While the part's lower tessitura offers limited opportunities to display her gleaming top, she seizes upon the climactic moments with assurance—notably delivering a striking High C at the opening of the fifth door. Swedish bass \u003cstrong\u003eBernhard Sönnerstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e gives a more subdued account of Bluebeard. His interpretation may aim to reflect the character's reserve, but the result tends toward detachment rather than mystery or gravitas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eEqually central to the opera is the orchestral fabric, and \u003cstrong\u003eFerenc Fricsay\u003c\/strong\u003e shapes it with a finely etched clarity and a restraint bordering on classical rigor. The result is a multi-textured orchestration that never feels too heavy or muddy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Judith – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Bluebeard – \u003cstrong\u003eBernhard Sönnerstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eStockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 10, 1953\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFerenc Fricsay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10434-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Birgit Nilsson Sings Excerpts from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic\"\u003eAriadne auf Naxos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Stockholm, 1949\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292647735432,"sku":"10434-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098595076,"sku":"MP3 10434-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51196679815489,"sku":"FLAC 10434-1","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10434-1front.jpg?v=1767672522"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-nilsson-lindholm-ericson-klobucar","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Nilsson, Lindholm, Ericson, Saeden, Jehrlander; Klobucar. Stockholm, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eDespite being the reigning dramatic soprano of her time—arguably of any time—\u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e avoided the role of Elektra until she was nearly 50. This Stockholm performance captures her first run in this punishing role, proving that the wait was well worth it. Her voice here sounds just slightly smoother than in the later Solti recording, and her characterization is already well-formed. One of Nilsson’s most underappreciated qualities was her outstanding musicianship. \u003cem\u003eElektra\u003c\/em\u003e is not only fiendishly difficult to sing, but its ever-shifting patterns, meters, and complex harmonies pose immense challenges. Nilsson deserves special praise for delivering such a musically assured performance. \u003cstrong\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/strong\u003e sings with fervor as Chrysothemis, while \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e impresses by both maintaining attractive tone and conveying Klytämnestra’s grotesque decay. The sound quality is only fair. The singers come through beautifully but much of the detail in the orchestra gets lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10530-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644196488,"sku":"10530-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099052548,"sku":"MP3 10530-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10530-2front.jpg?v=1751036852"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-nilsson-svanholm-greindl","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre (Act I) - Nilsson, Svanholm, Greindl; Schmidt-Isserstedt.  Hamburg, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWith colossal talents like \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e, it’s tempting to imagine that she emerged fully formed from the forehead of some deity. Listening to her in the early 1950s, the unmistakable \u003cstrong\u003eNilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e sound is already there—yet alongside the familiar brilliance, there is a striking plangency to her tone, a quality that would later be tempered by the formidable steel of her mature voice. 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Many seem to dislike the tradition of splitting up roles in a complete cycle, but when you have Astrid Varnay alternating the role of Brünnhilde with a fresh-voiced Birgit Nilsson it is hard to complain. Varnay brings a sensitivity and subtlety to Brünnhilde as well as remarkable vocal security despite having sung this role for twenty years. Birgit Nilsson takes the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and sings with effortless strength and beauty. Other stand-outs include James Milligan as the Wanderer. If you have never heard of him, it is because he tragically died a few months after this performance at the age of 33. This document, one of the few that remain, demonstrates that he was to have been the greatest Wotan of his generation. Jerome Hines sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and brings both warmth and gravitas. Regina Resnik, formerly a Bayreuth Sieglinde, shows that her true calling was as Fricka and delivers a goddess formidable enough to stand up to the head god. Régine Crespin delivers an impassioned Sieglinde as well as an impressive third Norn. Gottlob Frick once again asserts his dominance over the role of Hagen and Thomas Stewart delivers a Gunther that is more dynamic hero than patsy. The sound ranges from excellent to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11000-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626239624,"sku":"11000-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099184324,"sku":"MP3 11000-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11000-13front.jpg?v=1751036308"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-nibelungen-nilsson-varnay-crespin-hines-resnik-stewart-kempe","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Nilsson, Varnay, Hines, Uhl, Crespin, Frick, Stewart; Kempe.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven in an era in which there seemed to be an over abundance of great Wagner singers, this \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e stands out. Many seem to dislike the tradition of splitting up roles in a complete cycle, but when you have Astrid Varnay alternating the role of Brünnhilde with a fresh voiced Birgit Nilsson it is hard to complain. Varnay brings a sensitivity and subtlety to Brünnhilde as well as remarkable vocal security despite having sung this role for twenty years. Birgit Nilsson takes the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and sings with effortless strength and beauty. Other stand-outs include James Milligan as the Wanderer. If you have never heard of him, it is because he tragically died a few months after this performance at the age of 33. This document, one of the few that remain, demonstrates that he was to have been the greatest Wotan of his generation. Jerome Hines sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and brings both warmth and gravitas. Regina Resnik, formerly a Bayreuth Sieglinde, shows that her true calling was as Fricka and delivers a goddess formidable enough to stand up to the head god. Régine Crespin delivers an impassioned Sieglinde as well as an impressive third Norn. Gottlob Frick once again asserts his dominance over the role of Hagen and Thomas Stewart delivers a Gunther that is more dynamic hero than patsy. I had a great time making this compilation and have included many of the famous sections as well as some of my favorite parts like the Third Norn solo in the prologue of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e with Régine Crespin as well as the thrilling conclusion to Act II of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. The sound ranges from excellent to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11001-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625682568,"sku":"11001-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099243204,"sku":"MP3 11001-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11001-2front.jpg?v=1751036289"},{"product_id":"strauss-die-frau-ohne-schatten-eva-marton-birgit-nilsson-kollo-mcintyre-von-dohnanyi","title":"Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - Marton, Kollo, Nilsson, McIntyre, Hesse; von Dohnanyi.  Hamburg, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis magnificent performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/em\u003e stands out not only for its glittering cast, but also for the fact that it presents one great soprano in the twilight of her career and another at the onset. Birgit Nilsson was already nearing 60 by the time that she first sang the Dyer's wife. The role proved an excellent vehicle for her later years as it still gave her a chance to show off her gleaming high notes without being as taxing as Turandot or Brünnhilde. What her voice may lack in freshness, she makes up for with keen insight into her character's dilemma that only can come with age and experience. Eva Marton was still relatively unknown in 1977 and scores a triumph as the Kaiserin. Her pure yet voluptuous tone proves an indelible asset in depicting the metamorphosis from cloistered princess to passionate woman. René Kollo adds a well needed touch of lyricism to the role of the Kaiser without short-changing any of the many stentorian climaxes. Donald McIntyre's wooly bass-baritone lends itself well to Barak's gruff yet tender nature. Christoph von Dohnányi deftly balances the many layers and colors of Strauss' orchestration. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11022-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625551496,"sku":"11022-3","price":16.17,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099038340,"sku":"MP3 11022-3","price":8.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11022-3front.jpg?v=1751036284"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-birgit-nilsson-gwyneth-jones-david-ward-leitner","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Jones, Ward, Hoffman, Langdon; Leitner. Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1967, Birgit Nilsson was at the height of her powers whereas Gwyneth Jones was still relatively unknown. Hearing these two very different singers side by side just adds to the pleasure of this remarkable performance. Nilsson’s vocal power came through the laser intensity of her unique instrument whereas Jones’ voice soared over the orchestra with the force of a mac truck. Both women sing gloriously particularly Jones whose voice was free of the flaws that would mar her later years. David Ward brings mellifluous and grace to the role of Wotan, managing to convey the god’s fire and brimstone without yelling his way through Wagner’s soaring vocal lines. Richard Martell as Siegmund is the weak link of the cast. The voice seems to have respectable power but little vocal beauty. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11055-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623880328,"sku":"11055-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099199556,"sku":"MP3 11055-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11055-3front.jpg?v=1751036242"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-kelemen-leitner","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward; Leitner. Buenos Airies, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e captures the legendary pairing of Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen at the height of their powers. Wolfgang Windgassen brings youthful vigor to the role of Siegfried. His fundamentally lyrical tenor seems most at home during the introspective moments in Act II, but he is also quite credible during the demanding forging scene. David Ward’s Wanderer is both commanding and avuncular. He is particularly good in Act III where most Wanderers have to resort to barking. Ward, however, maintains the beauty of his baritone even during the most declamatory passages. Many focus on the prodigious vocal gifts of Birgit Nilsson, and for good reason. Her tone is sterling and her production effortless no matter how ludicrous the vocal demands. What is rarely mentioned about Nilsson is how intelligent she was as an artist. Her \u003cem\u003e”Ewig war ich”\u003c\/em\u003e in Act III bears a closer resemblance to a Mozart Rondò in terms of musicality and phrasing than Wagner. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11056-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623847560,"sku":"11056-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251588,"sku":"MP3 11056-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11056-3front.jpg?v=1751036241"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-hagenau-gwyneth-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Hagenau, Jones; Leitner. Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1967 cycle comes to a close, with a fine cast led by Birgit Nilsson's legendary Brünnhilde. She takes a while to warm up in Act I, but is afterwords heard in prime form, especially in a thrilling Immolation scene. Wolfgang Windgassen is Siegfried, one of his finest roles, and is heard in excellent, untiring voice, tossing off the near-impossible high C in Act III like it is merely a vocalise. Heinz Hagenau's sonorous Hagen and Zoltan Kélémen's Alberich make a compelling case for the forces of darkness, and Fabio Giongo makes for a fine Gunther. Likewise, his Fricka, Grace Hoffman, returns for a compelling Waltraute scene, and is joined in the Norn's trio by Erika Wien and Gwyneth Jones. The latter also sings what may possibly be the most dramatically-compelling Gutrune ever recorded, climaxing in a hair-raising scream when her husband's body is borne in. If there is anything to complain about, it's that the brass playing is often scrappy at best, and the performance is cut (not disfiguringly). However, the errors give this very live performance a vitality and fervor that carries through the singing all the way to the ecstatic reactions from the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11057-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623814792,"sku":"11057-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222340,"sku":"MP3 11057-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11057-4front.jpg?v=1751036240"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-nilsson-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-langdon-leitner-buenos-aires-1967","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman, Langdon; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen one thinks of the various hubs of Wagner in the world (i.e. Vienna, Bayreuth, New York) Buenos Aires seems a rather illogical addition. However, this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e will attest that even if the Argentinians may have been lacking in the polish of some of the previous mentioned houses, they knew how to mount a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that could rival any in the norther hemisphere. Their efforts are aided to a large part by a spectacular cast. Birgit Nilsson sings all three of the Brünnhildes with shocking ease. It is truly extraordinary how a voice can have both the thrust and the beauty that she possessed. Throughout the many hours of singing, she is able to unleash laser-like high notes and then spin a legato line as if she were singing a Mozart aria without even a hint of fatigue. Her frequent partner Wolfgang Windgassen joins her as Siegfried. Although Windgassen may not have had the same power that Nilsson possessed, he navigated his way through these operas intelligently, never pushing his voice beyond its means or sacrificing the beauty and youthful sheen of his tone. Gwyneth Jones joins us as Sieglinde as well as the Third Norn and Gutrune. If memories of some of her later years may have marred your impression of this great soprano, I would quickly refer you to this performance. Her voice is flawless and she seems perfectly at home in the Wagnerian mold. David Ward delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have come across. Ferdinand Leitner leads a brisk performance and manages to extract some fine playing from the orchestra, the odd missed cue notwithstanding. The performances employ some cuts which can be jarring but also keep the performance moving. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e in Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDie Walküre, Siegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e in Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11058-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623782024,"sku":"11058-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099185732,"sku":"MP3 11058-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11058-12front.jpg?v=1751036238"},{"product_id":"strauss-salome-final-scene-barstow-nilsson-weathers-jones-rysanek-goltz-caballe-behrens-schroder-feinen","title":"Compilation: Salome Final Scene(s) - Barstow, Weathers, Nilsson, Goltz, Rysanek, Caballé, Jones and more!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSalome\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Strauss (1864–1949)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAnyone who loves \u003ci\u003eSalome\u003c\/i\u003e will find this compilation especially enjoyable. It brings together a range of my favorite recordings of the final scene, including performances by expected interpreters such as \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eChristel Goltz\u003c\/b\u003e, alongside more unexpected contributions from \u003cb\u003eFelicia Weathers\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMontserrat Caballé\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHildegard Behrens\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eJosephine Barstow\u003c\/b\u003e, the last heard singing in English.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Salome – \u003cstrong\u003eChristel Goltz, Gwyneth Jones, Felicia Weathers, Josephine Barstow, Montserrat Caballé, Ursula Schröder-Feinen, Hildegard Behrens, Leonie Rysanek, Birgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Herod – \u003cstrong\u003eWilhelm Ernest, Hans Hopf, Fritz Uhl, Emile Belcourt, Zbyslaw Wozniak, Jaroslav Kachel, Walter Böhm, Jon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Herodias – \u003cstrong\u003eIngeborg Lasser, Martha Mödl, Lillian Benningsen, Sarah Walker, Sabine Zimmer, Astrid Varnay, Agnes Baltsa, Ruth Hesse, Grace Hoffman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eVarious\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1957–1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eVarious\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11078-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623356040,"sku":"11078-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099061380,"sku":"MP3 11078-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11078-2front.jpg?v=1751036222"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-nibelungen-highlights-nilsson-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts) - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen one thinks of the various hubs of Wagner in the world (i.e. Vienna, Bayreuth, New York) Buenos Aires seems a rather illogical addition. However, this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e will attest that even if the Argentinians may have been lacking in the polish of some of the previous mentioned houses, they knew how to mount a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that could rival any in the norther hemisphere. Their efforts are aided to a large part by a spectacular cast. Birgit Nilsson sings all three of the Brünnhildes with shocking ease. It is truly extraordinary how a voice can have both the thrust and the beauty that she possessed. Throughout the many hours of singing, she is able to unleash laser-like high notes and then spin a legato line as if she were singing a Mozart aria without even a hint of fatigue. Her frequent partner Wolfgang Windgassen joins her as Siegfried. Although Windgassen may not have had the same power that Nilsson possessed, he navigated his way through these operas intelligently, never pushing his voice beyond its means or sacrificing the beauty and youthful sheen of his tone. Gwyneth Jones joins us as Sieglinde as well as the Third Norn and Gutrune. If memories of some of her later years may have marred your impression of this great soprano, I would quickly refer you to this performance. Her voice is flawless and she seems perfectly at home in the Wagnerian mold. David Ward delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have come across. Ferdinand Leitner leads a brisk performance and manages to extract some fine playing from the orchestra, the odd missed cue notwithstanding. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e in Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDie Walküre, Siegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e in Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11059-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623192200,"sku":"11059-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099188676,"sku":"MP3 11059-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11059-1front.jpg?v=1751036214"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-nilsson-varnay-bjoner-uhl-nimsgern-sawallisch","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Nilsson, Varnay, Bjoner, Uhl, Nimsgern; Sawallisch.  München, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eElektra\u003c\/em\u003e features a triumvirate of great, yet varied, leading ladies. In 1977, Birgit Nilsson was nearing the end of her career. If some of the more delicate passages lack the finesse of her early years, she more than makes up for it with thrilling, tireless singing and a burnished quality that her voice acquired with age. She also invests herself in this role in a way that I have not seen or heard from her. No doubt she must have been inspired standing next to the great Astrid Varnay as Klytämnestra. Even though there is some wear and tear present in Varnay’s oversized soprano, her most interesting work came during her “character role” years and this performance is no exception. Some might find her Klytämnestra a little over the top and they may be right, but she still brings a pathetic frailty to this aging queen that almost makes you sympathize with her. Ingrid Bjoner’s Chrysothemis is a perfect blend of winsome innocence and budding sensuality. Siegmund Nimsgern delivers a beautifully sung Orest. Wolfgang Sawallisch brings surprising order to the cacophony without sacrificing the primal quality of the score. The sound is very good and I was able to pick out new details in the score that had hitherto eluded me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBirgit Nilsson and Ingrid Bjoner sing arias from \u003cem\u003eAriadne auf Naxos, Daphne\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11089-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623028360,"sku":"11089-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099055876,"sku":"MP3 11089-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11089-2front.jpg?v=1751036208"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen-rossl-majden-neidlinger-hotter-karajan-milano-1959","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Rössl-Majden, Neidlinger, Hotter; Karajan. Milano, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e captures Birgit Nilsson just before she had asserted her world-wide domination of Richard Wagner. There have been many sopranos who may have had voices as large, but what separated Nilsson from the rest was the effortless quality she brought to some of the most formidable vocal demands as well as her ability to convey the many delicate moments which often get lost. Wolfgang Windgassen lends his virile tenor to the role of Tristan. Although it is a matter of debate whether or not Windgassen was a true Heldentenor, what cannot be disputed is the intelligence he brings to this part, deftly pacing his way through the piece without ever sounding “careful.” Hans Hotter assumes the role of Marke after having sung Kurwenal with Karajan at Bayreuth seven years prior. The orchestra, under the masterful baton of Herbert von Karajan, delivers some of the most memorable playing (the odd missed note notwithstanding) I have ever heard. If technically the La Scala orchestra is not at the same level of some of the other orchestras of the world, they make up for it with some supremely romantic playing particularly from the strings who are unabashed in their usage of portamentos. Also, the crescendos that Karajan is able to extract from the ensemble go beyond simply going from loud to louder; they seem to come from the innermost depths of the players’ souls and make for some very powerful moments. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11108-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292621783176,"sku":"11108-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263044,"sku":"MP3 11108-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11108-3front_08871c00-d528-4ed9-b430-fc471da5f05f.jpg?v=1751036185"},{"product_id":"puccini-turandot-nilsson-bjorling-dose-ehrling","title":"Puccini: Turandot - Nilsson, R. Bjoerling, Döse; Ehrling.  Gothenburg, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 60s and 70s were an era in which stars burned bright and fast. Despite their early brilliance sopranos like Tebaldi, Callas, Stella, Souliotis couldn’t sustain that early promise throughout their careers. The one odd exception was Birgit Nilsson. I say “odd” because she sang some of the most dramatic repertoire ever written. This 1973 performance of \u003cem\u003eTurandot\u003c\/em\u003e bares out her prodigious vocal achievements as well as her remarkable longevity (she was already in her mid-50s.) She is tireless in this role and hurls her laser-beam high notes with the same ease as when she recorded \u003cem\u003eTurandot\u003c\/em\u003e with her tenor’s father, some 15 years earlier. That tenor in question is Rolf Björling. Björling had both the fortune and misfortune of being the son of Jussi Björling. On one hand he must have benefited enormously from the guidance (and genes) of his father, on the other, his talent would always invite comparisons to his great father. Even if he may not have inherited his father’s exquisite vocal beauty, he displays an attractive tenor with excellent legato and secure top. Helena Döse’s nordic sound is a good fit as Liù despite the fact that the pitch at the top of her voice tends to sag. The sound is in stereo and generally excellent despite the occasional very mild static.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11115-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620963976,"sku":"11115-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098786116,"sku":"MP3 11115-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11115-2front.jpg?v=1751036168"},{"product_id":"strauss-salome-birgit-nilsson-ticho-parly-madeira-fassbaender-klobucar","title":"Strauss: Salome - Nilsson, Nöcker, Parly, Madeira, Fassbaender; Klobucar. Milano, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirgit Nilsson's Salome cannot be described as girlish. No Matter. She can still be described as incredibly and impossibly alluring. Her no-holds bar take on the role is heard to its fullest effect in this electric performance from La Scala in 1967. With Berislav Klobucar whipping the orchestra into a (tightly controlled) frenzy, Nilsson is free to revel in a thrilling rendition of the final scene, delivering a startling complex use of vocal colors. She is supported by a fine cast including Jean Madeira's lush Herodias and Ticho Parly's odious Herod. Hans Günther Nöcker is a fervent, beautifully sung Jochanaan. and no less than Birgitte Fassbaender is on hand for the few utterances of the page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11138-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620079240,"sku":"11138-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099060228,"sku":"MP3 11138-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11138-2front.jpg?v=1751036144"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-grob-prandl-suthaus-lemnitz-karl-bohm-nilsson-rysanek","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre (excerpts) - Grob-Prandl, Lemnitz, Suthaus, Hermann, Greindl, Böhm. Buenos Aires, 1950","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording offers a brief but tantalizing glimpse of some great artists whose careers just missed the proliferation of recordings. Ludwig Suthaus, possibly the most recorded of the main singers, was a tenor whose voice was equally admirable for its power as its lyricism (traits that can often seem at odds with one another.) Unfortunately, in the excerpts on this recording, we never get to hear Tiana Lemnitz’s slender, shimmering soprano tackle Sieglinde’s most passionate music, but her few utterances in the opening scene, suggest that she is a Sieglinde to be reckoned with. Gertrude Grob-Prandl also regrettably has very little music besides a portion of her impassioned Act III plea to Wotan to encircle the rock with fire which, although short, is worth the price of the set. Josef Hermann, fortunately, treats us to the entire final scene. The whole thing is brilliantly conducted by Karl Böhm who brings a fire to the pacing that must have been very refreshing in an era where Knappertsbusch and Furtwängler dominated. As a bonus I have included substantial excerpts from a 1965 performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e conducted by Karl Böhm and featuring Birgit Nilsson, Theo Adam, Leonie Rysanek and James King. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExcerpts from \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBayreuth, 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11141-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619948168,"sku":"11141-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099202244,"sku":"MP3 11141-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11141-1front.jpg?v=1751036140"},{"product_id":"compilation-karl-bohm-meistersinger-ring-tristan-barbiere-aida-macbeth-elektra","title":"Compilation: Karl Böhm - Excerpts from Barbiere, Aida, Macbeth, Tristan, Meistersinger, The Ring and Much More!","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen considering the great conductors of the 20th century, it is surprising how seldom Karl Böhm’s name is brought up. He may have lacked some of the finer points of being a “star” conductor. His personality wasn’t as flashy, he didn’t have public feuds with other artists and his interpretations lacked the mannerisms and instantaneously recognizable hallmarks of some of his colleagues. The genius of Karl Böhm’s contribution lies much further than skin deep which is one of the reasons why his interpretations are so enduring. Always a friend to singers, he would pace his tempi according to the strengths of the artist, whereas other conductors would remain entrenched in their preconceived notions of the piece no matter how audibly it would affect the folks tasked with executing those notions. This was particularly true in Wagner and he must have seemed a breath of fresh air with his fleet readings of \u003cem\u003eTristan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/em\u003e during an era when other conductors were embracing a more ponderous approach. This compilation is meant to celebrate the versatility and musical honesty of the venerated maestro on the occasion of his 120th birthday. It includes arias and excerpts from \u003cem\u003eLe Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Tannhäuser, Tristan und Isolde, Der Ring des Nibelungen, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Macbeth, Aida, Ariadne auf Naxos, Elektra\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e as well as highlighting his collaborations with artists like Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Christa Ludwig, James King and Anja Silja to name a few.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11144-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619849864,"sku":"11144-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098641156,"sku":"MP3 11144-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11144-2front_122ef900-45ac-49a6-877b-708b1d42ffbe.jpg?v=1751036136"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-birgit-nilsson-helga-dernesch-regina-resnik-georg-solti","title":"Strauss: Elektra (poor sound) - Nilsson, Dernesch, Resnik, McIntyre, Craig; Solti. London, 1972","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo as not to deceive my beloved customers, I will lead with the fact that the quality of this recording is not very good (see the sample below.) That said, if you love this opera as well as excellent singing and excellent conducting than this might be worth your while. Georg Solti created a legendary recording of this opera with Birgit Nilsson and Regina Resnik who also join him in this performance. As red-hot as that recording was, unfettered by the logistical concerns of recording schedules and multiple takes, this performance is even more “electrifying.” He pushes the tempi even further in this performance whipping the players of Covent Garden into a frenzy. Birgit Nilsson sings the title role, harnessing all of the characters single-minded vengeance and channeling it in the form of gleaming high notes that must have been deafening in the house. Regina Resnik, no stranger to the role of Klytämnestra, displays a woman who is both broken yet hasn’t forgotten that she is still queen. Helga Dernesch is an interesting addition as Chrysothemis and although the role may be slightly out of her comfort zone, she manages the most challenging moments intelligently and never sacrifices any of the unique color of her instrument. Charles Craig almost sounds too beautiful for the role of Ägisth, and Donald McIntyre is in excellent voice as Orest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11151-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619784328,"sku":"11151-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099045060,"sku":"MP3 11151-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11151-2front.jpg?v=1751036134"},{"product_id":"verdi-aida-birgit-nilsson-giulietta-simionato-cornell-macneil-nicolai-ghiaurov","title":"Verdi: Aida - Nilsson, Ghiaurov, MacNeil, Simionato, Ferraro; Sanzongo. 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Heard at her considerable best in a gripping rendition of \u003cem\u003e”Ritorna vincitor”\u003c\/em\u003e, she also gives real dramatic fire to the confrontation duet alongside the imperious, impeccably sung Amneris of \u003cb\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eCornell MacNeil\u003c\/b\u003e is a powerful, sinister Amonasro, and \u003cb\u003eNicolai Ghiaurov\u003c\/b\u003e is an unusually impactful Ramfis. \u003cb\u003ePier Miranda Ferraro\u003c\/b\u003e's Radamès is slightly less appealing, though the voice is certainly impressive, and there's a strong turn from \u003cb\u003eAgostino Ferrin\u003c\/b\u003e as the King. \u003cb\u003eNino Sanzogno\u003c\/b\u003e conducts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11163-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292616540296,"sku":"11163-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099071620,"sku":"MP3 11163-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11163-2front.jpg?v=1751036111"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-birgit-nilsson-gwyneth-jones-carlos-kleiber","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Nilsson, Jones, Szirmay, Craig, McIntyre; C. 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He seems to encourage the players to think at times more like folly artists than musicians, finding the gesture of the phrase rather than the sum of the actual notes. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, although at the end of her career, is in top form and seems inspired by the music making going on around her. \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e gives generously of her ample soprano as Chrysothemis, soaring effortlessly above the orchestra and luxuriating in her resplendent top. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11168-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292616147080,"sku":"11168-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099044932,"sku":"MP3 11168-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":28747342600,"sku":"FLAC 11168-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11168-2front.jpg?v=1751036106"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-tristan-birgit-nilsson-windgassen-frick-georg-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung Act III, Rheinfahrt; Tristan und Isolde Prelude and Liebstod - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick; Solti. 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Also on hand for the last act of the \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e are \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, in fine form for Siegfried's crucial narration, \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e's dark and sinister Hagen, and \u003cb\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/b\u003e, lending real gravitas to Gutrune's few moments in the sun. The presence of \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e in the middle of a beguiling trio of Rhinemaidens is the cherry on the top of this delectable Wagnerian dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11186-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615622792,"sku":"11186-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222724,"sku":"MP3 11186-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11186-2front.jpg?v=1751036085"},{"product_id":"georg-solti-retrospective-wagner-verdi-puccini","title":"Compilation: Solti Retrospective - Arias and orchestral excerpts from The Ring, Turandot, Der fliegende Holländer","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e’s conducting career came of age as a world of possibilities was opening up in recording technology and among his many contributions to the world of music, his vision of how to utilize the technological wizardry available for the first time allowed him to define the genre of recorded operas. However, due to his meticulous nature, finding the result that pleased him in the studio often meant take after take which inevitably came at the price of the artistic spontaneity for both the singers and occasionally Solti himself. This compilation of live recordings shows what a different creature Solti was when he was on the podium of an opera house and demonstrates the energy he could summon from the orchestra and the singers which he never quite surpassed in his studio recordings (as exciting as they were in their own right.) This compilation features arias and orchestral excerpts from \u003cem\u003eLe Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Die Entführung aus dem Serail, La Forza del Destino, Otello, Turandot, Billy Budd, Arabella, Rosenkavalier, Die Frau ohne Schatten, Der fliegende Holländer, Meistersinger, The Ring, Tristan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11190-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615491720,"sku":"11190-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098687684,"sku":"MP3 11190-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11190-2front_645eb104-e58d-4a4c-b25d-875dd06ebf70.jpg?v=1751036080"},{"product_id":"strauss-salome-in-swedish-nilsson-s-bjorling-bergstrom-ehrling-stockholm-1954","title":"Strauss: Salome (In Swedish) - Nilsson, S. 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The sound quality of both \u003cem\u003eSalomes\u003c\/em\u003e tends to range from very good to fine, and provides an excellent portrait of \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e at the height of her powers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11200-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615131272,"sku":"11200-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099061636,"sku":"MP3 11200-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11200-2front.jpg?v=1751036069"},{"product_id":"puccini-turandot-birgit-nilsson-franco-corelli-galina-vishnevskaya","title":"Puccini: Turandot - Nilsson, Corelli, Vishnevskaya; Gavazzeni. 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But whenever someone opens their mouths, the performance is a treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11212-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292614672520,"sku":"11212-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098785412,"sku":"MP3 11212-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11212-2front.jpg?v=1751036052"},{"product_id":"compilation-jon-vickers-aida-salome-parsifal-walkure-peter-grimes-troyens","title":"Compilation: Jon Vickers - Arias and Excerpts from Aida, Pagliacci, Troyens, Parsifal, Salome, Peter Grimes and more","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e’ voice and artistry were beyond classification. The power of his massive tenor coupled with his remarkable technique meant that he could sing Wagner with finesse and musicality, as well as bring dramatic heft to the more refined world of French opera. The voice was neither Italianate nor Germanic—it was just “Vickers,” and he approached each role he sang with intelligence and searing intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compilation offers many of his great triumphs like \u003cem\u003ePeter Grimes\u003c\/em\u003e, Enée in \u003cem\u003eLes Troyens\u003c\/em\u003e, and Siegmund, as well as some interesting rarities including Tarquinius’ aria from \u003cem\u003eThe Rape of Lucretia\u003c\/em\u003e and a brutal Herod from \u003cem\u003eSalome\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11242-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610707592,"sku":"11242-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098640836,"sku":"MP3 11242-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11242-2front.jpg?v=1751036010"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-birgit-nilsson-hans-hotter-fritz-uhl-gre-brouwenstijn","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Hotter, Brouwenstijn, Uhl, Boese; Wallberg. 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The Wälsung twins are less successful overall, \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e’s creamy soprano not meshing particularly well with \u003cb\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/b\u003e’s piercing, rather nasal tenor. They both have interesting things to say in the roles, clearly, but they just don’t sound like a pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Valkyries are a generally strong group, and the sound is stereo and clear. The orchestra, however, is having an off-day, with several audible mistakes and a brass section that appears to be playing in the key of Q sharp throughout much of the opera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11244-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610478216,"sku":"11244-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099199812,"sku":"MP3 11244-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11244-3front.jpg?v=1751036005"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hans-hopf-birgit-nilsson-hans-hotter-marga-hoffgen","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Nilsson, Hotter, Boese; Wallberg. 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The only disappointment for me was his singing during some of the more lyrical passages in which his pitch had a tendency to go south. \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e’s Wanderer is worldly without coming across as overly cynical. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e’s awaking as Brünnhilde is well worth the wait, bringing both beauty and power to the short but critical finale. \u003cb\u003eMarga Höffgen\u003c\/b\u003e’s Erda is both sensual and maternal. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11245-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610445448,"sku":"11245-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244676,"sku":"MP3 11245-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11245-3front.jpg?v=1751036004"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-birgit-nilsson-hans-hopf-arnold-van-mill-gre-brouwenstijn-heinz-wallberg","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Hopf, Van Mill, Boese, Brouwenstijn; Wallberg. Buenos Aires, 1962","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeinz Wallberg\u003c\/b\u003e brings the cycle to a close with a dash of melodrama and a fleet baton, keeping the opera moving swiftly through its lengthy first act. His orchestra seems to have been whipped into shape (even the brass is more in tune than not) and the cast is a fine one. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s bully-boy Siegfried has an attractive baritonal quality to his voice and brings an exciting clarity towards his death scene. \u003cb\u003eArnold van Mill\u003c\/b\u003e’s Hagen is less subtle than most (he indulges in some maniacal laughter as Act II comes to a close) but it’s impeccably sung. \u003cb\u003eAngel Mattiello\u003c\/b\u003e’s Gunther is likewise notable, and \u003cb\u003eAlois Pernerstorffer\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/b\u003e return for strong cameo appearances as Alberich and Waltraute. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e returns as well, not only as an excellent Gutrune but also as the Third Norn, blending well with \u003cb\u003eTota de Igarzaba\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eNoemi Souza\u003c\/b\u003e in trio and blazing on her own in solo. The Rhinemaidens (with \u003cb\u003eSouza\u003c\/b\u003e returning as Flosshilde) are a little less impressive, but the chorus work is strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e A few minutes of music are missing from Act I, including the moment where Siegfried drinks the love potion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11246-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610412680,"sku":"11246-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099213956,"sku":"MP3 11246-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11246-4front.jpg?v=1751036003"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-nilsson-hopf-hotter-brouwenstijn-uhl-boese-wallberg-buenos-aires-1962","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Hopf, Hotter, Brouwenstijn, Uhl, Boese; Wallberg. 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Wotan finds \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e at the tail-end of his vocal prime, but with still enough vocal prowess to deliver a multi-faceted Wotan who is both imposing and sensitive. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s baritonal Siegfried fares better in the dramatic sections than the lyrical. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e’s radiant soprano is put to good use as Sieglinde, Gutrune, and the Third Norn. \u003cb\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/b\u003e is a rather bland Siegmund but comes alive as Loge. \u003cb\u003eHeinz Wallberg\u003c\/b\u003e is certainly not a name that comes to mind when considering the great Wagnerian conductors, but his approach to \u003cem\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen\u003c\/em\u003e is both fresh and inventive. He favors leisurely tempos (perhaps a practical consideration to accommodate the limitations of the band he had to deal with) and seems to understand when the orchestra should be in the foreground and when in the background. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11247-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610379912,"sku":"11247-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099179652,"sku":"MP3 11247-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11247-12front.jpg?v=1751036001"},{"product_id":"wagner-immolation-scene-gotterdammerung-nilsson-jones-shuard-dernesch-lindholm-kuchta-silja","title":"Compilation: 15 Immolation Scenes - Varnay, Flagstad, Nilsson, Jones, Lindholm, Harshaw, Silja, Ligendza, Shuard and more!","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title speaks for itself. Fifteen different versions of the complete immolation scene from *Götterdämmerung* featuring \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMargaret Harshaw\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eNaděžda Kniplová\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e. Who will be your favorite?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11254-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610314376,"sku":"11254-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223428,"sku":"MP3 11254-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11254-4front.jpg?v=1751035998"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-excerpts-nilsson-hopf-hotter-uhl-brouwenstijn-wallberg","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts) - Nilsson, Hopf, Hotter, Brouwenstijn, Uhl, Boese; Wallberg. Buenos Aires, 1962","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e in the title roles, fans of great singing will certainly not be disappointed by this admirable, yet somewhat flawed, \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. It is disappointing mostly due to the orchestra whose playing is at times scrappy. It is also clear that they are playing from a reduction which detracts from some of the bigger, brassy moments. But the Cycle is redeemed by some breathtaking singing. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e was just hitting her stride in 1962 and she is unstoppable as Brünnhilde. Although she would continue to grow into the role interpretively, vocally she is at her absolute zenith. Wotan finds \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e at the tail-end of his vocal prime, but with still enough vocal prowess to deliver a multi-faceted Wotan who is both imposing and sensitive. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s baritonal Siegfried fares better in the dramatic sections than the lyrical. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e’s radiant soprano is put to good use as Sieglinde, Gutrune and the Third Norn. \u003cb\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/b\u003e is a rather bland Siegmund but comes alive as Loge. \u003cb\u003eHeinz Wallberg\u003c\/b\u003e is certainly not a name that comes to mind when considering the great Wagnerian conductors, but his approach to \u003cem\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen\u003c\/em\u003e is both fresh and inventive. He favors leisurely tempos (perhaps a practical consideration to accommodate the limitations of the band he had to deal with) and seems to understand when the orchestra should be in the foreground and when in the background. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11248-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610019464,"sku":"11248-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099168708,"sku":"MP3 11248-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11248-2front.jpg?v=1751035987"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-birgit-nilsson-wolfgang-windgassen-hoffman-wolfgang-sawallisch-hotter","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Windgassen, Nilsson, Hotter, van Mill, Hoffman; Sawallisch. 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I would not, however, want to sacrifice \u003cb\u003eHotter\u003c\/b\u003e’s nuanced, quietly bereft performance of Kurwenal’s Act III showcase. \u003cb\u003eGrace Hoffman\u003c\/b\u003e is a priceless Brangäne, and \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/b\u003e leads the Bayreuth orchestra with a lot of detail and no lack of passion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/b\u003e There is a hiss in the sound and there are a handful of brief drop-outs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11272-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292609233032,"sku":"11272-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099256836,"sku":"MP3 11272-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11272-4front.jpg?v=1751035964"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-birgit-nilsson-rysanek-hotter-windgassen-resnik-klobucar","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Hotter, Rysanek, Windgassen, Resnik; Klobucar. 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Windgassen has less baritonal blasting power than most Siegmunds, but he uses his keenly-edged instrument beautifully in a shimmering \u003cem\u003eWinterstürme.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cb\u003eRysanek\u003c\/b\u003e’s Sieglinde is often sharp, but her dramatic fire and powerful instrument excuse any errors in pitch. \u003cb\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/b\u003e’s harridan of a Fricka uses her short role for maximum impact, and the Valkyries, lead by \u003cb\u003eLotte Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e (Leonie’s sister) as Helmwige are unusually good. Only \u003cb\u003eWalter Kreppel\u003c\/b\u003e’s puny Hunding disappoints. \u003cb\u003eBerislav Klobucar\u003c\/b\u003e gives a taut reading of the score, and the Wiener Philharmoniker is, as usual, peerless. The only serious flaw is a few minutes of missing orchestral music just before the \u003cem\u003eTodesverkündigung\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11282-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292609003656,"sku":"11282-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099201156,"sku":"MP3 11282-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11282-3front.jpg?v=1751035952"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Nilsson-Birgit.png?v=1748270768","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/birgit-nilsson.oembed?page=6","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}