Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Vickers, Hesse, Sotin, Nöcker, Bunger; Stein. Wien, 1976
$12.95
Listen to a Sample:
It is regretful that Birgit Nilsson and Jon Vickers didn't sing Tristan und Isolde more often. Accordingly I feel very fortunate to have found this recording, in pristine sound, documenting the two in a hot-blooded performance. Nilsson's singing may lack some of the clarity that her voice had in the 60s but the trade-off is a vivid interpretation particularly in the narration and curse. Vicker's Tristan, on the other hand, is truly of the ages and may be my favorite. Act III is almost too gut-wrenching to bare at times. They are joined by a fabulous cast including Ruth Hesse as Brangäne, Hans Sotin as Marke and even Anton Dermota as the sailor. Horst Stein focuses on the many details in Wagner's score bringing out colors I have never heard before. The sound is near perfect.
OD 10683-3
