{"title":"NEIDLINGER, Gustav","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-tristan-und-isolde-varnay-vinay-malaniuk-weber-neidlinger-jochum-bayreuth-1953","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Varnay, Vinay, Malaniuk, Weber, Neidlinger; Jochum.  Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may be one of my all-time favorite performances of \u003cem\u003eTristan\u003c\/em\u003e. Although the broadcast from the previous year with Martha Mödl was certainly a memorable affair, Astrid Varnay possessed the ability to truly deliver the Wagnerian goods, (i.e. formidably power and gleaming high notes) in a way that Mödl couldn't, despite being a gripping actress. From her entrance, Varnay's voice soars over the orchestra with ease. She culminates the evening with a superbly delicate Liebestod. Ramon Vinay's baritonal Tristan brings an anguished quality unlike any other interpreter of this role I can think of. He is particularly thrilling in Act III, seemingly unfazed by the daunting vocal writing. Ludwig Weber is an excellent Marke. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10938-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666871944,"sku":"10938-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263812,"sku":"MP3 10938-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10938-3front.jpg?v=1751037332"},{"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":"gotterdammerung-wagner-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Randová; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou would not expect Catarina Ligendza to be as successful in the role of Brünnhilde as she was. Her jugendlische sound seems a somewhat incongruous fit, especially in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. Surprisingly, she manages to rise to the challenges with confidence. She is well matched with the Siegfried of Jean Cox (the two must have been one of the most attractive pair in the history of Bayreuth.) Karl Ridderbusch brings sinister charm to the role of Hagen. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10932-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmuseed-player data-playlist=\"10932-4\" width=\"640\" height=\"compact-height\"\u003e \u003c\/museed-player\u003e \u003cscript type=\"module\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/player.museed.co\/player.js\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" async\u003e \u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666347656,"sku":"10932-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098695428,"sku":"MP3 10932-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10932-4front.jpg?v=1751037324"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-cox-schroder-feinen-adam-stein","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Cox, Schröder-Feinen, Adam, Zednik, Neidlinger, Feldhoff, Höffgen; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean Cox has often been dismissed as a \"serviceable\" Siegfried (no small accolade considering the formidable demands of the role.) However, I attest that this performance is anything but serviceable and he hits all of the marks, from a virile forging scene to some very tender singing during the \u003cem\u003eWaldweben\u003c\/em\u003e. The stand-out of the cast comes in the form of a last minute substitution which Wolfgang Wagner announces before the beginning of Act III when Berit Lindholm fell ill. Ursula Scröder-Feinen seems unfazed by the stress of having to go on at the last minute and scores a triumph in the short but strenuous \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde. Her voice is both dramatic and sensual. \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich\"\u003c\/em\u003e is particularly remarkable for its delicacy, especially given the fact that she just sang music that is anything but. Heinz Zednik is wiry and hilarious Mime. The sound is very good but there is about 30 seconds of music missing at the beginning of \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10931-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666314888,"sku":"10931-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244356,"sku":"MP3 10931-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10931-3front.jpg?v=1751037323"},{"product_id":"wagner-rheingold-adam-esser-reynolds-bode-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Reynolds, Esser, Bode, Ridderbusch, Zednik; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1973 marked the third year that this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e was in circulation at Bayreuth. Although revivals often get a bad rap, at Bayreuth, where the casts are often consistent from year to year, the director will continue to work with the singers, restaging parts of the opera and exploring new dynamics between the characters. The result is a dynamic experience in which the singers and audience benefit from the rapport that the artists have established year after year without slipping into stale routine. Not that this cast of excellent singing actors would ever let that happen. Theo Adam is magnificent as Wotan and carries most of the show with ease. Karl Ridderbusch is also a stand-out as Fasolt as is Marga Höffgen as an earthy-voiced Erda. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10929-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666249352,"sku":"10929-2","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099239684,"sku":"MP3 10929-2","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10929-2front.jpg?v=1751037321"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-konya-gorr-christoff","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Konya, Gorr, Christoff, Neidlinger, Caballé; Cluytens. Milano, 1960","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\u003eThis performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e comes together in a way that unifies both the drama’s intensity and its deeply contemplative character. Under the guidance of André Cluytens, Wagner’s score unfolds with an acute sense of atmosphere, balancing ritual gravity with moments of quiet luminosity and latent tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSándor Kónya brings a sweet-toned Parsifal whose guileless purity is convincingly sustained, yet whose voice can summon unexpected strength in the more confrontational passages of Act II. Rita Gorr offers a Kundry of remarkable vocal amplitude and color, at once seductive and fractured, her trajectory shaped toward the possibility of redemption. Wagner might have been unsettled by Boris Christoff’s imperfect German, but his Gurnemanz is nonetheless commanding, delivered with magisterial authority and narrative weight. Making her La Scala debut, Montserrat Caballé appears among the Flowermaidens, her presence already hinting at the excellence that would soon define her career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Parsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eSÁNDOR KÓNYA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eBORIS CHRISTOFF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Kundry – \u003cstrong\u003eRITA GORR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Amfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGUSTAV NEIDLINGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Klingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORG STERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Titurel – \u003cstrong\u003eSILVIO MAIONICA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLARA FOTI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eSTEFANIA MALAGÙ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eMARIO FERRARA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eANGELO MERCURIALI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eMONTSERRAT CABALLÉ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eURSULA KERP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eSUSANNE WILL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eCOLETTE LORAND\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eMARIA GRAF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eHILDE KOCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ritter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eRINALDO PELIZZONI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ritter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eGIUSEPPE MORRESI\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMilano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMay 2, 1960\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10032-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\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\"\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePitch corrected and sound enhanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292664479880,"sku":"10032-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099232004,"sku":"MP3 10032-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51360571556161,"sku":"FLAC 10032-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10032-4front.jpg?v=1770089583"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-thomas-dalis-hotter-london-knappertsbusch","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Thomas, Dalis, Hotter, Weber, London, Neidlinger; Knappertsbusch.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\u003eLovers of this opera have long treasured the Phillips set conducted by \u003cb\u003eHans Knappertsbusch.\u003c\/b\u003e This performance of \u003ci\u003eParsifal\u003c\/i\u003e draws on much the same cast, offering a closely related yet distinct perspective. Knappertsbusch shapes the score with a remarkable sense of breadth, at times suspending the musical flow in near stillness, only to summon a sudden surge of power from the orchestra. The resulting textures remain notably clear, allowing inner detail to emerge without sacrificing the work’s underlying gravity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e offers a notably lyrical Parsifal, his tone marked by a gentle, almost Mozartian sweetness that sets him apart from more overtly heroic interpretations. Alongside him, \u003cb\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/b\u003e presents a Kundry of quiet intensity, balancing allure with an undercurrent of unrest that never fully resolves until her redemption in the final moments of the opera. \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e, while not a true bass, brings a reflective nobility to Gurnemanz, shaping the role with sensitivity and gravitas. George London as Amfortas conveys the characters suffering with a visceral rawness unmatched by any other baritone in this role.\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\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORGE LONDON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eLUDWIG WEBER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHANS HOTTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eJESS THOMAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGUSTAV NEIDLINGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eIRENE DALIS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlto Stimme – \u003cstrong\u003eURSULA BÖSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eHARALD NEUKIRCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORG PASKUDA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGUNDULA JANOWITZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eANJA SILJA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eDOROTHEA SIEBERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eRITA BARTOS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eNIELS MOELLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10240-4\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":31292658417800,"sku":"10240-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099237380,"sku":"MP3 10240-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51698050269505,"sku":"FLAC 10240-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10240-4front.jpg?v=1777934134"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-silja-beirer-neidlinger-cluytens","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Silja, Berier, Meyer, Neidlinger, Talvela; Cluytens.   Roma, 1966","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\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\u003eToday, the notion of a singer in their twenties tackling Wagner might seem implausible, yet in the composer’s own time, it was far from extraordinary. \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld\u003c\/strong\u003e was only 28 when he created the role of Tristan, and \u003cstrong\u003eMathilde Mallinger\u003c\/strong\u003e just 21 when she sang the first Eva in \u003cem\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/em\u003e. Into this lineage steps \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e, who assumes the role of Isolde at the age of 25 and emerges with a performance of remarkable assurance. From the outset of Act I, she meets the demands of Wagner’s formidable orchestration head-on, displaying an intensity often associated with far more seasoned interpreters. Impressively, this fervor does not come at the expense of the opera’s more intimate moments—she handles the love duet, for instance, with a sensitivity that belies her years. If there is a flaw, it lies in occasional lapses of pitch, a technical issue she would later overcome as her voice matured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e, a seasoned veteran nearly three decades Silja’s senior, joins her as Tristan. Despite the age gap, he manages to project a persuasive sense of youthful ardor. \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes with a mezzo of striking beauty in the role of Brangäne, while \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e brings gravity and expressive warmth to König Marke’s monologue. Though the performance is subject to several cuts, \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures the musical and dramatic fabric remains finely wrought.\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      Tristan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Isolde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Kurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      König Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Melot – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Treptow\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\u003eRoma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 16, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10243-3\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    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Anja Silja Sings the Liebestod from \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e and The Immolation Scene from \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292658352264,"sku":"10243-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263492,"sku":"MP3 10243-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51258698465601,"sku":"FLAC 10243-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10243-3front.jpg?v=1768252987"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-modl-hotter-greindl-knappertsbusch-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Mödl, Hotter, Greindl, Neidlinger, Adam; Knappertsbusch. 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His willingness to set aside past choices in favor of new insights—whether prompted by different casts, staging concepts, or his own artistic curiosity—results in a reading that feels deeply organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"878\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"449\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e bring a youthful vitality to Parsifal and Kundry, with Mödl delivering a near-flawless performance, embracing the demanding high notes that would challenge her in later years. \u003cstrong data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"643\"\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Gurnemanz is warm and approachable, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"703\"\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e imbues Amfortas with the appropriate anguish yet retains a sense of youth and virility. A fascinating document of Knappertsbusch’s ever-evolving relationship with \u003cem data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"877\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"878\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10487-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292645802120,"sku":"10487-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099238980,"sku":"MP3 10487-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50240310477121,"sku":"FLAC 10487-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10487-4front.jpg?v=1751036897"},{"product_id":"wagner-rienzi-wolfgang-windgassen","title":"Wagner: Rienzi - Windgassen, Brivkalne, Traxel, Neidlinger; Von Matacic. Stuttgart 1957","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhen viewed alongside the rest of \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner’s\u003c\/strong\u003e canon, \u003cem\u003eRienzi\u003c\/em\u003e undeniably falls short of the innovation and inspiration that define his later works. Wagner himself refused to allow it to be performed at Bayreuth, and none other than \u003cstrong\u003eHans von Bülow\u003c\/strong\u003e cheekily dubbed it \u003cem\u003e\"Meyerbeer’s best opera.\"\u003c\/em\u003e Yet, unlike \u003cem\u003eDie Feen\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDas Liebesverbot\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRienzi\u003c\/em\u003e has never completely vanished from the operatic consciousness. Upon revisiting it, I found that setting aside expectations shaped by Wagner’s mature masterpieces allowed for genuine enjoyment. The opera offers thrilling choral scenes, and Wagner’s ever-present nationalism—here in a Roman rather than Germanic guise—is unmistakable. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e does his best with the rather one-dimensional title role, often relying on the beauty and elegance of his tone to compensate for the character's lack of depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10531-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644163720,"sku":"10531-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099241028,"sku":"MP3 10531-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10531-2front.jpg?v=1751036851"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-borkh-beirer-greindl-neidlinger","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Borkh, Beirer, Greindl, Neidlinger, Tappy; Ansermet.  Geneva, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e sings \"\u003cem\u003eGott! Welch dunkel hier!\"\u003c\/em\u003e with unflinching confidence, while \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e brings unexpected warmth to Rocco, softening the imposing quality of his dark bass. 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Wien, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe undeniable star of this recording is the conductor, \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it remains a great loss that he confined himself to such a limited operatic repertoire, the works he cherished—\u003cem\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e—received performances of extraordinary nuance and insight under his baton. His approach to the \u003cem\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/em\u003e is a prime example, beginning with an almost ethereal transparency in the pianos and building an exquisitely controlled crescendo toward the final, resplendent climax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cast is strong as well. \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e, a frequent Isolde in Kleiber’s performances, seems entirely in sync with his vision. Her voice leans toward the lighter side, which lends her portrayal an unusual sense of approachability. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e, while impressive in the dramatic outbursts, struggles when required to sing softly, with occasional lapses in pitch. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a rich, resonant presence to Marke, while \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Kurwenal, though somewhat gruff, remains consistently compelling from a dramatic standpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatarina Ligendza sings the Liebestod from \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBayreuth, 1976. 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Knappertsbusch had a singular ability to stretch time without losing momentum—rather than feeling sluggish, his pacing creates the profound sensation that time itself has come to a standstill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e takes on the title role, bringing the same visceral intensity to Parsifal’s suffering that he brought to the many other tragic figures her portrayed. Much like his Tristan, Vickers makes the character’s torment deeply felt in a way few tenors can match. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e, in his later years, uses the burnished quality of his voice to powerful effect as Gurnemanz, blending his legendary Lieder artistry into a performance filled with nuance and quiet introspection. \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e, at his peak in 1964, delivers a portrayal of Amfortas that is both virile and tormented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Kundry, \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a more aloof and enigmatic quality in Act I and early Act II compared to \u003cstrong\u003eIrene Dalis'\u003c\/strong\u003e interpretation. 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He is joined by a stellar ensemble cast, including Anna Reynolds, who brings a sensitive vulnerability to Fricka, moving away from the character's typical shrewishness, and the outstanding Loge of Hermin Esser. Gustav Neidlinger’s Alberich may lack some of the brute force seen in other portrayals, but his characterization—much like McIntyre's—feels more nuanced and at times surprisingly sympathetic. Horst Stein’s conducting is fluid and meticulous, guiding the orchestra with subtlety so that it never overshadows the singers. 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That said, Jean Cox proves that he is almost ideal, bringing both sensitivity and power to the role.  The attractive quality of his voice never seems to buckle under the pressure of the orchestra, although at times the vibrato can get a little unfocused and the characterization can be a little generic.  But even if he is not a great Siegfried a very good Siegfried is certainly a rare bird.  Donald McIntyre seems most comfortable as the Wanderer and brings an avuncular warmth.  Heinz Zednik's wiry Mime finds a great balance between comic and grotesque and at times even comes across as likable.  Gwyneth Jones is radiant in her brief but athletic appearance in the final scene.  The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10802-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633186440,"sku":"10802-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244164,"sku":"MP3 10802-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10802-3front.jpg?v=1751036490"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-cox-ridderbusch-mazura-neidlinger-stein-bayreuth-1975","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first time experiencing Wagner in the theater was about twenty years ago at the Metropolitan Opera. The opera was \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e and featured Gwyneth Jones as Brünnhilde. I will never forget the sensation of hearing her voice open up at \u003cem\u003e\"Zu neuen Taten.\"\u003c\/em\u003e As the evening progressed it seemed as if there was no end to her vocal reserves and needless to say I became an instant Wagnerian. This recording taken about twenty years earlier finds her in even greater voice and she fearlessly (and almost recklessly) plows through the almost-impossible vocal writing of Act II as if no one told her that singing Wagner can be bad for your voice. Jean Cox is a sturdy Siegfried and displays that he even had a respectable high-C. Karl Ridderbusch is a formidable Hagen and brings a touch of elegance to the part that you rarely hear. Franz Mazura and Anna Reynolds make equally worthy contributions as Gunther and Waltraute respectively. Although the sound is for the most part very good there are about a dozen moments where the recording will jump about a second. This happens mostly during the first half hour or so of the opera. That said, if you can brace yourself for a few bumps in the road I think you will really enjoy this stunning performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10803-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632825992,"sku":"10803-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099216900,"sku":"MP3 10803-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10803-4front.jpg?v=1751036478"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-jones-cox-mcintyre-ridderbusch-king-stein-bayreuth-1975","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Ridderbusch, King; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be asking why you need another \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e and the answer is quite simple: Horst Stein. Stein was a conductor who never really rose to the top but, in my opinion, deserves a place next to the great Wagnerian interpreters of his day. Stein’s approach was unfussy and free of mannerisms which in the era of Karajan and Knappertsbusch is quite refreshing. Instead, he brought a keen ear to the musical line and manages to shape even some of the most bombastic music into lyrical melodies. This approach seems to benefit the singers enormously. The tempos are fleet while remaining elastic and whereas many conductors get lured in by the detail of the orchestration, the vocal line remains for Stein the driving force of the music. His efforts benefit enormously from a stellar cast including Gwyneth Jones as Brünnhilde, Jean Cox as Siegmund Karl Ridderbusch as Fasolt, Hunding and Hagen and James King as Siegmund. The sound for the most part is also quite good with one caveat: During \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e the music occasionally jumps a second. These moments are indeed jarring but are rather infrequent in the context of the whole opera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10804-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632793224,"sku":"10804-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099169476,"sku":"MP3 10804-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10804-12front.jpg?v=1751036476"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-thomas-varnay-hotter-talvela-neidlinger-silja-cluytens","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Thomas, Varnay, Adam, Hotter, Talvela, Neidlinger, Silja; Cluytens.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e is precious for many reasons but the biggest draw for me is the Kundry of Astrid Varnay. It is perplexing why Varnay did not sing this role more as it fits both her voice and temperament like a glove. And although by the sixties she was already eschewing her former soprano roles in favor of mezzo parts, Kundry is still well within her comfort zone. She is joined by Jess Thomas whose voice was beginning to show the ravages of a heavy diet of Wagner. That said, there is still a lyrical quality that makes for a convincing Parsifal. Although Hans Hotter was never a true bass, by 1965 his voice had darkened to a great extent making the leap to these roles seem plausible and he brings a fatherly quality to Gurnemanz. André Cluytens shows his mastery as a Wagnerian, creating a performance that is neither fast nor slow and filled with beautiful color and detail. The sound for the most part is good, although there are a few moments at the end of the Good Friday Scene where the tape must have gone a little haywire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10822-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631515272,"sku":"10822-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099237828,"sku":"MP3 10822-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10822-4front.jpg?v=1751036466"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-kuchta-lindholm-windgassen-parly-adam-greindl-rysanek-king-maazel-bayreuth-1968","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Kuchta\/Lindholm, Windgassen\/Parly, Adam\/Greindl; Maazel.  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The smaller parts are filled with some incredibly talented singers included the Gutrune and Freia of Helga Dernesch, the Gunther of Thomas Stewart and a cameo appearance featuring Erika Köth as the Forest Bird. The musical direction by Lorin Maazel is simply first rate both for his support of the singers and the overall pacing of the drama, making this one of my favorite live \u003cem\u003eRing Cycles\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10844-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630499464,"sku":"10844-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099173700,"sku":"MP3 10844-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10844-12front.jpeg?v=1751036427"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-adam-reynolds-ridderbusch-martin-stein","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Reynolds, Ridderbusch, Martin, Neidlinger; Stein. 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The over all effect is that one gets the sense of a group of young people trying to make sense of their new-found wealth and power, making this a very compelling prologue to the rest of the tetrology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10857-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630302856,"sku":"10857-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099156932,"sku":"MP3 10857-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10857-2front.jpg?v=1751036420"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-cox-ligendza-adam-paskuda-stein","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Cox, Ligendza, Adam, Paskuda, Meven; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Jean Cox sang the role of Siegfried many times throughout the 70s, he hardly distinguished himself higher than the level of \"serviceable\" in the eyes of many opera lovers. This recording, made in 1971 when the roles was still relatively new to him, shows flashes of brilliance that I hadn't heard in his subsequent performances. His tone is remarkably steady and has a burnished lyricism not unlike Windgassen. He is certainly matched well with Catarina Ligendza whose youthful tone manages the short but athletic \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde with seeming ease (topped off with a gleaming high C.) It is a testament to Theo Adam's artistry how effortlessly he alters his vocal color to convincingly shift to the world-wary Wanderer from his brash and youthful Wotan of the earlier operas. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10859-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630237320,"sku":"10859-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244228,"sku":"MP3 10859-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10859-3front.jpg?v=1751036418"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-mazura-neidlinger-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Martin; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the biggest challenges for any soprano who assumes the role of Brünnhilde is how to unify the naive tomboy in \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e with the sensual and ultimately vengeful Brünnhilde of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung.\u003c\/em\u003e For my money, Catarina Ligendza comes as close as any to doing just that. In the last installment of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, she manages to muster enough power to cope with the dramatic demands of Act II while maintaining the integrity of her youthful tone. True, she may not be the force of nature that Birgit Nilsson was, but the vulnerability she brings to the role adds an interesting twist and at no point does her voice buckle under the demands of the orchestration. Jean Cox seems to relish the chances he has to show off his more lyrical singing particularly in his death scene which is actually quite beautiful. Karl Ridderbusch is near perfection as Hagen. His voice, although black, still has a touch of class and glamor to it. His Hagen is more conniving player, than hulking brute. Franz Mazura is heard to great effect as Gunther. By the time the Boulez \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e was recorded his voice was already a bit rough around the edges, which was not the case when this recording was made. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10860-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630204552,"sku":"10860-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217604,"sku":"MP3 10860-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10860-4front.jpg?v=1751036417"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-ligendza-adam-cox-jones-brilioth-stein-bayreuth-1971","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Ligendza, Adam, Cox, Jones, Brilioth; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a world where Wagner fans have become accustomed to tolerating middle aged, overweight singers playing young heroes and heroines, this recording is a much welcome change of pace as the entire cast produces one of the most youthful \u003cem\u003eRings\u003c\/em\u003e I have ever heard. And although at times we have to forgo the power that Nilsson or Flagstad brought to their roles, it is more than made up for by the verisimilitude that these singers bring to their parts. As Brünnhilde, Catarina Ligendza brings a pure tone with no shortage of power, and miraculously bridges the naive quality of the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde with the sensuality of the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde into a cohesive and complete character. She is particularly effective in the tender scenes with Wotan in Act III of \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e and undaunted by the dramatic demands of Act II of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. Theo Adam’s Wotan was always on the baritonal side of the spectrum which works to his advantage in \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e. You really get this sense that this young god is making everything up as he goes along. Jean Cox sings as well as I have ever heard him, highlighting the lyricism of the part. Gwyneth Jones is a sensual Sieglinde and well paired with the vocally (and physically) dashing Siegmund of Helge Brilioth. Karl Ridderbusch shows up in many different roles throughout the cycle most notably as Hagen. Franz Mazura, Janis Martin and Anna Reynolds round out the cast as Gunther, Freia and Fricka respectively. Horst Stein seems inspired by the youthful cast and delivers an energetic reading. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10861-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630171784,"sku":"10861-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099173764,"sku":"MP3 10861-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10861-12front.jpg?v=1751036416"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-modl-vinay-malaniuk-neidlinger-greindl-leitner","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Mödl, Vinay, Malaniuk, Neidlinger, Greindl; Leitner.  Den Haag, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who has followed the careers of Martha Mödl and Ramón Vinay knows that by the end of the 50s both were getting ready to shed their dramatic soprano and tenor (respectively) roles for less strenuous fare. Accordingly, I went into this performance with reservations. I was not ready for one of the most sincere, and poignant performances of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e I have ever heard (and I have heard many.) There is no doubt that Martha Mödl was nowhere near the level she was at when she was singing at the first post-war seasons of Bayreuth. She has to grunt at many of the high notes and some barely come out. But Mödl was a dramatic soprano in the truest sense of the word and she does not let the fact that her voice is not cooperating keep her from attacking Isolde with reckless abandon. The result is much more than a performance of perfectly placed high notes that many of her colleagues may have delivered, it is a performance in which drastic leaps above the staff have a dramatic context and come from a raw and deep part within the psyche of the character. Her Liebestod is particularly beautifully sung complete with a pianissimo f sharp at the end, admirable more for the rapture conveyed, than vocal purity. In the end, this kind of commitment proves so much more compelling than a bravura display of vocal technique. Ramón Vinay's voice is in better shape than Mödl's although it does seem darker and heavier than it had in earlier years. Still, his burnished tone makes him an ideal Tristan. Ira Malaniuk is a sturdy Brangäne, although the quality of her voice can seem on the harsh side at times. Josef Greindl is a regal and very sympathetic Marke without coming across as wimpy. Ferdinand Leitner leads a sweeping and beautiful performance. The sound is excellent and there are some cuts made in the performance even in addition to the standard ones. One last thought: It is possible that Mödl and Vinay knew that this would be their last \u003cem\u003eTristan\u003c\/em\u003e together and they just wanted to give one of the finest performances they could. They come very close…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10868-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629975176,"sku":"10868-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099260036,"sku":"MP3 10868-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10868-3front_26ef627a-7f11-4a57-adec-a31ab1642dd6.jpg?v=1751036409"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-tristan-windgassen-hoffman-neidlinger-talvela-bohm","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Hoffman, Talvela, Neidlinger; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e is all the more poignant because it marked the last time that either Birgit Nilsson or Wolfgang Windgassen would sing their respective roles at Bayreuth. Nilsson and Windgassen virtually owned these parts for over a decade. Birgit Nilsson once quipped that whenever she sang Tristan with anyone else she felt as if she was committing an adulterous act. So in a way this performances marks the culmination of a collaboration that had evolved since the 50s resulting in an onstage chemistry that is quite rare. Despite the fact that both singers were in their 50s, both sing with remarkable freshness. In particular, Nilsson's top gleams like I have never heard it. Windgassen also seems quite self-assured during the marathon of singing that Wagner inflicts upon his tenor in Act III. All in all, this performance comes across as much more satisfying than the legendary DGG release from a few years earlier both from a vocal and interpretive standpoint for both of the singers. Perhaps the knowledge that this was the last time inspired them to even greater heights. Karl Böhm's approach is also a little more relaxed than his usual fast-paced approach. In the supporting roles Grace Hoffman is a very good Brangäne and Martti Talvela makes a stoic, yet sensitive Marke. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10876-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629680264,"sku":"10876-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263620,"sku":"MP3 10876-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10876-3front.jpg?v=1751036398"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-modl-von-rohr-neidlinger-leitner","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Mödl, Von Rohr, Neidlinger, Cramer; Leitner.  Paris, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough in 1954 Europe was still smarting from the atrocities of World War II, in opera, and especially Wagner, a new cultural zeitgeist was emerging. This new ethos, spearheaded in no small part by the efforts of Wieland Wagner, put an artists' skills as an actor on a higher pedestal than before as well as physical credibility in a part. Fortunately there was a fresh crop of singers ready to step up to the plate. Wolfgang Windgassen's heldentenor was remarkable because he was a true tenor and not a pushed up baritone. Accordingly, his Parsifal is much more youthful and he was able to play up the naiveté of the character better than his colleagues. Martha Mödl's vivid performances to a great extent defined the tone of the post-war Bayreuth and her deep commitment inspired a generation of singing-actors. Here her voice is still in good shape and she throws herself into the role of Kundry with reckless abandon. Otto von Rohr's Gurnemanz may not be the most sonorous but he brings a touching human quality to the role. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10885-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629352584,"sku":"10885-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099239300,"sku":"MP3 10885-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10885-4front.jpg?v=1751036390"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-frantz-fischer-windgassen-schock-greindl-schuchter","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Frantz, Fischer, Windgassen, Schock, Greindl, Frick; Schüchter.  Hamburg, 1952","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI defy anyone to listen to this recording of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and provide me with a reason why Ferdinand Frantz should not be regarded as one of the finest Wotan's of the 20th Century. His voice has a youthful, yet commanding quality, completely devoid of the \"Bayreuth bark\" and does not flag during the entire course of the evening. He is joined by a remarkable supporting cast including Wolfgang Windgassen showing his nimbler side as Loge, Res Fisher as Fricka, a fantastic pair of giants in the form of Gottlob Frick and Josef Greindl and even Rudolf Schock as Froh. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10905-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628074632,"sku":"10905-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099157956,"sku":"MP3 10905-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10905-2front.jpg?v=1751036367"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-adam-boese-windgassen-neidlinger-silja-bohm","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Boese, Windgassen, Neidlinger, Silja, Talvela, Böhme; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e is carried to a great extent by the excellent Wotan of Theo Adam. The \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e Wotan suited Adam's youthful baritone the best of all the Ring operas and he delivers a god whose rash ambition is tempered by a dignified bearing; striking an important balance between Wotan's admirable traits and his fatal flaws. He is joined by a fantastic cast down to the last Rhinemaiden. It is a testament to Wolfgang Windgassen's artistry that he didn't mind doing double duty as Loge and the not-so-insignificant role of Siegfried, as Loge, being less strenuous, gives Windgassen a chance to display his considerable skills as an actor. Anja Silja is a wonderful Freia, Martti Talvela delivers a Fasolt with the heart of a poet and Gustav Neidlinger shows why he was the reigning Alberich of the day. One of the highlights is Lili Chookasian's brief but impactful turn as Erda (a welcome variation from the Phillips release which featured Vera Soukupová in this role). The one disappointment is the Fricka of Ursula Boese whose voice comes across as a little monochromatic. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10906-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628041864,"sku":"10906-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099156676,"sku":"MP3 10906-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10906-2front.jpg?v=1751036366"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-lindholm-schroder-feinen-ligendza-cox-adam-ridderbusch-jones-brenneis-stein-bayreuth-1973","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Lindholm, Schröder-Feinen, Ligendza, Cox, Adam, Ridderbusch, Jones, Brenneis; Stein.  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For my part Schröder-Feinen nearly steals the entire Cycle, tackling the shortest, but arguably most difficult, role in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e with seeming ease. Her top is gleaming with seemingly endless reserves and she is able to scale back her voice for the more intimate moments. That is not to short-change the achievements of her colleagues. Lindholm struggles a little at first with the \u003cem\u003eWalkür\u003c\/em\u003ee Brünnhilde but quickly settles into things revealing an alluring, auburn color to her voice, which brought to my mind a young Astrid Varnay. Catarina Ligendza returns for her third summer as Brünnhilde at Bayreuth and seems more confident and secure than ever. It is unclear to me how well her voice may have cut through the orchestra, but she manages the treacherous role with impressive security and a youthful quality that is all too rare in Wagner. The rest of the cast is very good. Theo Adam sings Wotan, Gwyneth Jones is Sieglinde, Jean Cox delivers a dashing Siegfried (replete with an impressive high C in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e). The smaller roles are no less distinguished, including the likes of Eva Randovà as Gutrune, Franz Mazura as Gunther and Marga Höffgen as Erda. The sound is very good and the performances are complete except for about 30 seconds of music at the beginning of \"Ewig war ich\" in Act III of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10933-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627943560,"sku":"10933-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099175172,"sku":"MP3 10933-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10933-12front.jpg?v=1751036363"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-bjoner-vickers-crass-neidlinger-holm-leitner-buenos-aires-1970","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Bjoner, Vickers, Crass, Neidlinger, Holm; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIngrid Bjoner in many ways was the perfect Leonore. Her voice had just the right balance of Wagnerian steel and Mozartian purity so that the climaxes have all the impact without sounding pushed. The result is a Leonore who sounds equal parts Brünnhilde and Donna Anna and will surely please both those who prefer a dramatic voice like Nilsson or Flagstad in this role, and those who see Beethoven's only opera more through a classical lens. Jon Vicker's Florestan is pretty far from classical in sensibility, but certainly not lacking in drama and although he may paint in broader strokes than Bjoner, he still manages the dizzying demands of his opening aria with vocal security and finesse. Franz Crass brings nobility to the role of Rocco, which is refreshing given how often this character can come across as bumbling. Ferdinand Leitner's approach is broad without becoming too heavy or ponderous and treats the audience to a stirring rendition of Leonore No. 3 between the scenes in Act II. The performance is in great stereo sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11041-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624666760,"sku":"11041-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098595588,"sku":"MP3 11041-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11041-2front.jpg?v=1751036260"},{"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":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-martha-modl-wolfgang-windgassen-grace-hoffman","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Act II) - Mödl, Windgassen, Hoffman, von Rohr; Leitner. London, 1955","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unfortunate break in the audio mars this otherwise exemplary recording of the second act of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e. With about ten minutes of music missing from the love duet, what remains shows both \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e at the height of their considerable powers. \u003cb\u003eFerdinand Leitner\u003c\/b\u003e delves deep into the score's mystical, time-stopping stillness, and when daylight and shame arrive, it is shattering in its intensity. \u003cb\u003eGrace Hoffman\u003c\/b\u003e makes much of Brangäne's anguished lines in the opening scene, and it is a terrible shame her warning to the lovers is among the missing music. \u003cb\u003eOtto von Rohr\u003c\/b\u003e is a noble, world-weary Marke, and \u003cb\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/b\u003e is on hand for Melot's few wheedling interjections. The sound is very good, if a little distant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11204-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615032968,"sku":"11204-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099259396,"sku":"MP3 11204-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11204-1front.jpg?v=1751036065"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-regina-resnik-jess-thomas-josef-greindl-andre-cluytens","title":"Wagner: Parsifal (Excerpts) - Thomas, Resnik, Greindl, Neidlinger; Cluytens. Venice, 1963","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exciting performance of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e is particularly noteworthy as it features a rare Kundry from \u003cb\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/b\u003e. Although Resnik is not 100% comfortable with the high tessitura at the end of Act II, the trade-off is one of the most lusciously seductive Kundrys I have encountered. Her throbbing middle and lower ranges would easily seduce even the purest fools among us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e is in top form in the title role. \u003cb\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/b\u003e’s bass lacks elegance as Amfortas but brings a likable everyman quality to the role. Perhaps the real star of the evening is \u003cb\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/b\u003e, who extracts lighter-than-air textures from the orchestra. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11207-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292614901896,"sku":"11207-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099233028,"sku":"MP3 11207-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11207-2front.jpg?v=1751036060"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-thomas-stewart-martin-windgassen-ridderbusch-dernesch-greindl-stolze-maazel","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Stewart, Martin, Windgassen, Stolze, Ridderbusch, Dernesch; Maazel. 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Where he truly excelled, however, was in the lyrical passages of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e, where he brought an uncommon sweetness of tone—offering a dimension of tenderness rarely heard in the role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e offers a Wanderer that is wise and world-weary without approaching cynicism, his performance shaped by vocal authority and dramatic insight. \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e delivers one of the most exquisite Siegfried Brünnhildes on record—her unflinching high notes and velvety phrasing in \u003ci\u003e“Ewig war ich”\u003c\/i\u003e are nothing short of sublime. \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e is definitive as Mime, his interpretation detailed, vivid, and vocally incisive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLorin Maazel\u003c\/b\u003e leads with unapologetic grandeur, emphasizing the score’s sweeping momentum while allowing for ample detail and character. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11364-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292605661320,"sku":"11364-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099245444,"sku":"MP3 11364-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11364-3front.jpg?v=1751035863"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jess-thomas-gladys-kuchta-greindl-thomas-stewart-hoffman-lindholm-dernesch-maazel","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Kuchta, Thomas, Greindl, Stewart, Dernesch, Hoffman, Neidlinger; Maazel. 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