{"title":"JONES, Gwyneth","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"leonore-jones-king-adam-beethoven","title":"Beethoven: Leonore - Jones, King, Adam, Nienstedt, Hausmann, Hollweg, Wächter; Melles.  ORF, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no secret that Beethoven agonized for years over \u003cem\u003eFidelio\u003c\/em\u003e. This performance of his earlier version, Leonore, is a fascinating glimpse into Beethoven's compositional process. Unlike other early versions of operas (i.e. Macbeth, Butterfly etc) \u003cem\u003eLeonore\u003c\/em\u003e almost sounds like an entirely different piece. Not only did he remove numbers altogether, but many of the arias and ensembles that survived have differences large and small. \u003cem\u003e\"Abscheulicher\"\u003c\/em\u003e begins with an entirely new recit before the aria. \u003cem\u003e\"O namenlose Freude\"\u003c\/em\u003e begins with a recit and once the duet proper begins, Leonore and Florestan sing the opening lines together as opposed to antiphonally. There is also a beautiful duet between Leonore and Marzelline that has an obbligato violin solo. The differences go on and on and in some cases you can see the wisdom in Beethovens' changes and in other instances you find yourself wishing he had had more confidence in his original composition. The cast of this performance does much to advocate for the earlier version. Gwyneth Jones sings the title role with both classical grace and romantic ardor. James King may have been glad that the earlier version of \u003cem\u003e\"Gott! Welch dunkel hier\"\u003c\/em\u003e was not as strenuous as its final iteration, but still sings like a god. Theo Adam is an excellent Pizarro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sound is pretty good although there is some brief skipping that I couldn't remove during the Act I duet between Pizarro and Rocco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10936-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666740872,"sku":"10936-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098708356,"sku":"MP3 10936-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10936-2front.jpg?v=1751037327"},{"product_id":"ring-nibelungen-excerpts-schroder-feinen-stein-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Lindholm, Schröder-Feinen, Ligendza, Cox, Adam; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not uncommon for two sopranos to split duties as Brünnhilde in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, but I have never come across a complete cycle inhabited by three different Brünnhildes. It had originally been intended for Berit Lindholm to sing the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and Catarina Ligendza to sing the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde, but Lindholm fell ill before the performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e giving Ursula Schröder-Feinen, who was still relatively unknown at the time, the opportunity to show off her Wagnerian chops. And some mighty fine chops they are, I might add. 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\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e 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 confidant 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 10934-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666380424,"sku":"10934-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098794052,"sku":"MP3 10934-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10934-1front.jpg?v=1751037325"},{"product_id":"wagner-walkure-lindholm-adam-jones-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Lindholm, Adam, Jones, Brenneis, Reynolds, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is interesting to hear Berit Lindholm as Brünnhilde seven years after her initial outing in the role. In that time her voice had darkened and become more rich which works mostly to her benefit as the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde sits lower than any of others. The downside is that this added richness and weight seem to make getting to the upper extension a little more labored. Theo Adam returns as Wotan, a role he all but owned at Bayreuth for nearly a decade, and brings his signature virile poise to the part. Gwyneth Jones was about ready to make the switch to Brünnhilde and, sadly, the toll of the hochdramatische repertoire would begin to take a toll. However in 1973 she was still in command of her over-sized soprano and delivers some thrilling singing. Gerd Brenneis as Siegmund is on the more lyrical side of the spectrum which make for a very beautiful \u003cem\u003e\"Winterstürme.\"\u003c\/em\u003e The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10930-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666282120,"sku":"10930-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099264260,"sku":"MP3 10930-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10930-3front.jpg?v=1751037322"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-jones-rysanek-siepi-alva-donath","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Siepi, G. Jones, Alva, Donath, Lotte Rysanek, Fissore; Hager.  Wien, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCesare Siepi will always be associated with the role of Don Giovanni and this performance proves to back up that reputation.  He brings such suavity and charm to the role it is hard to tell if we aren't actually supposed to ultimately sympathize with the character.   He is joined by Gwyneth Jones who takes a rare turn in a Mozart role, a remarkable feat given that she was about to make her role debut as Brünnhilde in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e.   She does not let that get in her way of singing an sublime Donna Anna, full of refulgent tone and spot on fioratura.   Helen Donath sings a spritely Zerlina, Lotte Rysanek (Leonie's sister) delivers a wild Elvira (there is definitely a family resemblance in the tone) and Luigi Alva delivers a poised Don Ottavio.   The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10122-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292662644872,"sku":"10122-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098733572,"sku":"MP3 10122-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49137396646209,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10122-3front.jpg?v=1751037220"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-jones-king-bernstein","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Jones, King, Crass, Adam, Popp, Dallapozza, Nienstedt; Bernstein.  Wien, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her earlier years, \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e emerged as perhaps the ideal Leonore, capturing both the dramatic depth and classical poise required for Beethoven's only opera. Her voice—already brimming with dramatic potential—remained agile and credible within the classical repertoire, making her portrayal both powerful and authentic. Opposite her, \u003cb\u003eJames King\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a masterclass in vocal ease, his thrilling stentorian tone and effortless production lending a heroic weight to his performance. The supporting cast shines as well: \u003cb\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/b\u003e brings a delightful energy to Marzelline, her bubbly charm perfectly offsetting the opera's weightier themes, while \u003cb\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/b\u003e lends a warm and avuncular presence as Rocco, grounding the story with his rich bass. Under \u003cb\u003eLeonard Bernstein\u003c\/b\u003e's direction, Beethoven's monumental score soars. Bernstein highlights the work's vast emotional scope and architectural brilliance, bringing to life the triumph of love, justice, and freedom that lies at the heart of \u003ci\u003eFidelio\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10175-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292660613256,"sku":"10175-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098596228,"sku":"MP3 10175-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49813958689089,"sku":null,"price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12144-2front.jpg?v=1751037175"},{"product_id":"strauss-ariadne-auf-naxos-jones-gruberova-schmidt-sawallisch","title":"Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos - Jones, Gruberova, Hopferwieser, Schmidt; Sawallisch.  München, 1977","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eAriadne auf Naxos\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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e did not sing \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eAriadne\u003c\/span\u003e often, which is unfortunate given the commanding vocal power and, even more strikingly, the technical control she brings to the role. Her Ariadne is both vocally majestic and emotionally grounded, a rare combination that lends the character unusual depth and authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy contrast, \u003cstrong\u003eEdita Gruberova\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a Zerbinetta of striking intimacy, conveying the character's earthy humanity even while simultaneously negotiating some of the most technically difficult music for coloratura soprano ever written. \u003cstrong\u003eTrudeliese Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e as the Composer nearly matches Jones in sheer vocal heft, shaping the role with fervent musicality. \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Hopfwieser\u003c\/strong\u003e proves a somewhat limpid Bacchus, lacking the ideal heroic presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/strong\u003e guides the orchestra with deft assurance, effortlessly shifting from Straussian opulence to passages of Mozartian delicacy.\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\u003eAriadne – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKomponist – \u003cstrong\u003eTrudeliese Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZerbinetta – \u003cstrong\u003eEdita Gruberova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBacchus – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Hopferwieser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHarlekin – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Imdahl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTanzmeister – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Holm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScaramuccio – \u003cstrong\u003eWilli Brokmeier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLakai – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Wilbrink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerückenmacher – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Klarwein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffizier – \u003cstrong\u003eRaimund Grumbach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMusiklehrer – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Sapell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMajordomus – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Thaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNajade – \u003cstrong\u003eHertha Töpper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDryade – \u003cstrong\u003eLotte Schädle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEcho – \u003cstrong\u003eFriedrich Lenz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrighella – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Auer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10271-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNEW MASTER:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePitch corrected and sound enhanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292657434760,"sku":"10271-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098810244,"sku":"MP3 10271-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51272748925249,"sku":"FLAC 10271-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10271-2front.jpg?v=1768534919"},{"product_id":"compilation-gwyneth-jones-1964-1977","title":"Compilation: Gwyneth Jones - Arias and scenes from Don Giovanni, Il Trovatore, Macbeth, Don Carlo, Ariadne and The Ring (1964-1977)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough primarily celebrated for her Wagnerian roles, \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e was a soprano of remarkable versatility, and this compilation serves as a testament to her wide-ranging abilities. It opens with a sublime “Non mi dir,” where the clarity of her fioritura would be the envy of sopranos with half her vocal power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first half showcases her range across a variety of roles, featuring highlights from \u003cem\u003eMacbeth\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTosca\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eFidelio\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eAriadne auf Naxos\u003c\/em\u003e. The second half shifts to excerpts from \u003cem\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen\u003c\/em\u003e, where she takes on both Sieglinde and Brünnhilde.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile a large voice is a prerequisite for singing Wagner, few sopranos give as much sheer commitment and emotional intensity as \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e. This collection is a striking reminder of her extraordinary vocal and dramatic presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10275-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292657303688,"sku":"10275-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098639620,"sku":"MP3 10275-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50011060339009,"sku":"FLAC 10275-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10275-2front.jpg?v=1751037101"},{"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":"verdi-aida-jones-vickers-dourian-shaw-downes","title":"Verdi: Aida - Jones, Vickers, Dourian, Shaw, Rouleau; Downes.  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Her powerful voice is unleashed to thrilling effect in \"Or sai chi l'onore,\" delivering a hair-raising experience rarely encountered in a Mozart aria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSir Geraint Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a refreshing approach to Leporello, eschewing the usual buffo clichés to highlight the character's humanity and grace. \u003cstrong\u003eWendy Fine\u003c\/strong\u003e imbues Donna Elvira with fiery intensity, while \u003cstrong\u003eStuart Burrows\u003c\/strong\u003e shines as Don Ottavio, his performance marked by elegance and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cstrong\u003eColin Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e at the helm, widely regarded as one of the greatest Mozart conductors of his time, the orchestra delivers a performance imbued with clarity and vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGwyneth Jones sings \u003cem\u003e\"Non mi dir\"\u003c\/em\u003e from \u003cem\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWien, 1974\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10583-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292642525320,"sku":"10583-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098733508,"sku":"MP3 10583-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50011039924545,"sku":"FLAC 10583-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10583-3front_726b1bcd-6f25-4637-a139-94fde1a3fad8.jpg?v=1751036784"},{"product_id":"verdi-macbeth-jones-petri-tagliavini-haugland-muti","title":"Verdi: Macbeth - Jones, Petri, Franco Tagliavini, Haugland; Muti.  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Her luscious tone and crystal-clear diction bring depth and poignancy to the role. \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e takes on the part of Madame Lidoine, and while her voice lacks the gravitas of \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eLeyla Gencer\u003c\/strong\u003e, it perhaps reflects a deliberate choice to portray a more youthful character. \u003cstrong\u003eSylvia Fisher\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a fiery and commanding Mere Marie, channeling brimstone and fervor, yet she is deeply moving in her final scene, where she confronts the heartbreak of being left behind as her sisters embrace martyrdom. \u003cstrong\u003eJeanette Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e shines as Constance, and there is a cameo by a very young \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e as Sister Mathilde.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is fair, with some muffling that occasionally obscures the text, but it remains a valuable document of a pivotal moment in the opera's early performance history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExcerpts from the World Premiere of \u003cem\u003eDialogues of the Carmelites\u003c\/em\u003e in Italian featuring Zeani, Gencer, Frazzoni, Pederzini \u0026amp; Ratti\u003cbr\u003eLa Scala, 1957\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10626-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640034952,"sku":"10626-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098753540,"sku":"MP3 10626-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10626-3front.jpg?v=1751036718"},{"product_id":"verdi-un-ballo-in-maschera-gwyneth-jones-placido-domingo-santi","title":"Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera - Jones, Domingo, Banuelas, Scovotti, Silva; Santi.  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She is joined by \u003cstrong\u003ePlácido Domingo\u003c\/strong\u003e as Riccardo, where the Spanish tenor masterfully balances his lyrical and dramatic strengths, even attempting—and successfully delivering—a rare live high C at the end of the Act II duet. \u003cstrong\u003eJeanette Scovotti\u003c\/strong\u003e brings charm to the role of Oscar, while \u003cstrong\u003eNello Santi\u003c\/strong\u003e confirms his reputation as one of the last great Italian conductors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBonus:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGwyneth Jones and Plácido Domingo Sing Verdi Arias\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10634-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292639707272,"sku":"10634-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099151364,"sku":"MP3 10634-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10634-2front.jpg?v=1751036703"},{"product_id":"opera-in-english-price-jones-te-kanawa-collier-varnay-barstow-baker-thebom-domingo-vickers","title":"Compilation: The Best of Opera in English - Featuring M. 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Spanning over three hours, this collection showcases highlights from the iconic roles that defined her illustrious career, such as Brünnhilde, Aida, and Sieglinde, alongside rare recordings of her performances in roles like Donna Anna, Hänsel, and Carmen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection features arias and excerpts from \u003cem\u003eHänsel und Gretel\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eAida\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eUn Ballo in Maschera\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMacbeth\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eOtello\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eCarmen\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Ring Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Flying Dutchman\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSalome\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10654-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292638757000,"sku":"10654-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098639940,"sku":"MP3 10654-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10654-3front.jpg?v=1751036681"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-jones-mcintyre-bode-hofmann-randova-salminen-boulez","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - McIntyre, Jones, Bode, Hofmann, Randová, Salminen; Boulez.  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Gwyneth Jones sounds far more comfortable than she would five years later, delivering acrobatic \u003cem\u003ehojotohos\u003c\/em\u003e with ease. Donald McIntyre’s Wanderer is less leathery in tone, and Peter Hofmann’s Siegmund is a standout. In the 1970s, Hofmann was more than just a pretty face—his stentorian tenor voice here is both attractive and commanding. Unfortunately, Hannelore Bode disappoints as Sieglinde, but Eva Randová’s exciting Fricka channels the fiery intensity of Irene Dalis. The sound quality is excellent, making this recording a must-hear for Wagner enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10747-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635644040,"sku":"10747-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099203716,"sku":"MP3 10747-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10747-3front.jpeg?v=1751036566"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-kollo-jones-mcintyre-keleman-schwarz-boulez","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Kollo, Zednik, Jones, McIntyre, Kéléman, Rundgren, Schwarz; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most notable and welcome additions to the cast of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e during this production’s debut was René Kollo in the title role. Kollo’s voice effortlessly meets both the lyrical and dramatic demands of the role, something Manfred Jung - who took over the role for the recording - couldn’t quite achieve. Gwyneth Jones also shines brighter here than in the later revival, treating the audience to some stunning high Cs that could easily rival those of Nilsson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonald McIntyre delivers a standout performance, appearing more at ease as the Wanderer than in any other opera of the cycle. Heinz Zednik is superb as Mime, bringing depth and precision to the character. The sound quality is excellent, adding to the overall experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf note, this performance had its share of audience drama. The anti-Chéreau contingent was out in force, with one particularly vocal dissenter bringing a whistle and cheekily accompanying Siegfried’s reed-making scene, much to the amusement and frustration of the rest of the audience. Fortunately, they settled down for the remainder of the opera, allowing the brilliance of the performance to shine through uninterrupted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10748-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635611272,"sku":"10748-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099246020,"sku":"MP3 10748-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10748-3front.jpeg?v=1751036564"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-thomas-ridderbusch-minton-keleman-boulez","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Thomas, Ridderbusch, Arvidson, Minton, Keleman; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re a fan of Gwyneth Jones, this recording of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e is an absolute treasure. It captures the Welsh soprano at the peak of her powers, combining immense dramatic intensity with the lyrical finesse that defined her early career. Her performance is nothing short of extraordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJess Thomas, though slightly past his prime and sounding somewhat dry, handles the demanding role of Siegfried with commendable skill. Karl Ridderbusch delivers an intriguing Hagen, portraying him with a stately cold-bloodedness that feels more calculated than unhinged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePierre Boulez’s conducting is inspired from start to finish, clearly energized by the caliber of the production and the stellar cast. The second act, in particular, is a tour de force—arguably the most thrilling rendition I’ve ever heard. The sound quality is excellent, and I’ve included the applause at the end, which features a prominent mix of cheers and boos. This recording is not only a testament to the performance but also a reminder of the uproar it sparked—complete with riots and police intervention. Not bad for a work celebrating its centennial at the time!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10749-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635119752,"sku":"10749-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217348,"sku":"MP3 10749-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10749-4front.jpeg?v=1751036563"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-excerpts-jones-kollo-thomas-mcintyre-salminen-boulez","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen EXCERPTS - Jones, Kollo, Thomas, McIntyre, Hofmann, Bode, Salminen, Ridderbusch","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first encounter with opera came at the tender age of 3 when my father was watching the \u003cem\u003eChéreau Ring Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. As the story goes, I climbed onto his lap and watched the entire performance in rapt silence. Though I don’t remember it, this moment feels like a fitting initiation, as it sparked a lifelong obsession with Wagner—and, as many of you already know, Gwyneth Jones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscovering this particular \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e has been an absolute delight, as it surpasses the commercial release on nearly every front. Pierre Boulez’s conducting is masterful, blending nuance and variety with brisk tempi while allowing the music to breathe when needed. Gwyneth Jones is at her peak, delivering a performance of stunning beauty and dramatic intensity, complete with some truly unparalleled high Cs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cast adds even more richness, featuring René Kollo as a youthful and vibrant “Junge” Siegfried, Jess Thomas as a compelling \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Siegfried, Karl Ridderbusch as an exceptionally suave Hagen, and Eva Randová as a brilliantly over-the-top Fricka. The sound quality is excellent, making this a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e to treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10752-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635021448,"sku":"10752-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099241284,"sku":"MP3 10752-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10752-1front.jpg?v=1751036560"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-jones-kollo-thomas-mcintyre-hofmann-bode-boulez-bayreuth-1976","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Kollo, Thomas, McIntyre, Hofmann, Bode; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first experience with opera came when I was 3 years old. My father was watching the Chéreau \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. According to him, I went and sat on his lap and watched the whole thing with him in rapt silence. It seems fitting that I should be initiated in such a way and even though I don’t remember this experience, as I would go on to cultivate an obsession both with Wagner and with Gwyneth Jones (as many of the regulars already know.) I was beyond pleased to encounter this \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e and find that on almost every front it is better than the commercial release. Pierre Boulez’s conducting is nuanced and varied favoring brisk tempi but not being afraid to slow down when the music calls for it. Gwyneth Jones is at her absolute best delivering a performance that is remarkable both for its beauty and dramatic force (and not to mention some unparalleled high Cs.) In addition there are some interesting variations including René Kollo as \"Der junge\" Siegfried, Jess Thomas as the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Siegfried, Karl Ridderbusch as one of the most suave Hagens you will ever come across and Eva Randová as a wonderfully hysterical Fricka. The sound is excellent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10750-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634923144,"sku":"10750-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099171332,"sku":"MP3 10750-2","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10750-12front.jpeg?v=1751036556"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-ward-shuard-jones-kozub-veasey-langdon-solti","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Shuard, Jones, Kozub, Ward, Veasey, Langdon; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll sopranos who sing Brünnhilde generally fair better on one side of the cycle or the other. Amy Shuard's youthful soprano seems more at ease as the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde. That is not to say that her voice is lacking in power as exemplified in her lusty hojotohos. David Ward's understated Wotan may lack some of the bravado and presence of others who have sung this role, however, he brings an everyman quality which at times is quite effective highlighting, in particular. Wotan's vulnerability at the end of of the opera very touchingly. A young Gwyneth Jones gets a chance to sink her teeth into Sieglinde, and demonstrates that she is certainly a Brünnhilde in the making. She is joined by Ernst Kozub. It is a shame that this opera star's career seemed to sputter as he is without doubt one of the finest Siegmunds I have ever heard. Solti's conducting is larger than life. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10764-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634562696,"sku":"10764-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099213828,"sku":"MP3 10764-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10764-4front.jpg?v=1751036540"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-windgassen-shuard-frick-shaw-veasey-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Shuard, Windgassen, Frick, Shaw, Veasey; Solti. London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Amy Shuard was a singer whom I have admired for many years, every singer has their limits and occasionally Shuard pushes the limits of her lyric instrument. Still she sings intelligently and highlights Brünnhilde's youth and vulnerability. Accordingly she doesn't play Act II as a vengeful Valkyrie but as scared teenager, and if her voice at times buckles under the pressures of the role it adds to the desperation of the character. Wolfgang Windgassen, on the other hand, seems much more comfortable in the role of Siegfried. Gottlob Frick's Hagen is beyond compare. Pure evil. Georg Solti seems to relish the infinite color and detail of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e more than any of the other operas in this cycle and at times ignites the orchestra into a frenzy. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10766-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634497160,"sku":"10766-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223108,"sku":"MP3 10766-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10766-4front.jpg?v=1751036537"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-excerpts-ward-hotter-shuard-jones-windgassen-frick-kozub-solti","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (excerpts) - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Hotter, Jones; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the fact that Georg Solti's name has now become forever linked to Wagner's \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, he seems to have conducted only a few complete cycles. His last outing was in 1983 at Bayreuth. Sadly, it became clear that he had lost his insight into Wagner's tetralogy creating an overly-analyzed and mannered performance. In many ways this performance, from 1965, may be his finest recording of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. Notorious in the studio for insisting on take after take, to the detriment of any kind of freshness, he is forced to rely more on his instincts which prove to be wiser in many ways than his obsession with perfection. The orchestration sounds like a living organism the undulates and breaths with the action on stage. The cast assembled is first rate. Amy Shuard brings a beauty and youthfulness that is rarely associated with Brünnhilde. Wolfgang Windgassen and Gottlob Frick reprise their roles as Siegfried and Hagen, respectively and a young Gwyneth Jones gets to dip her toe into the Wagner pool, delivering a red-hot Sieglinde aided in no small part to the superb Siegmund of Ernst Kozub. This should be a priceless document to anyone who grew up listening to the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10768-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634464392,"sku":"10768-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242500,"sku":"MP3 10768-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10768-2front.jpg?v=1751036536"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-shuard-windgassen-ward-hotter-jones-kozub-solti-london-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Hotter, Jones, Kozub; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the fact that Georg Solti’s name has now become forever linked to Wagner’s \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, he seems to have conducted only a few complete cycles. His last outing was in 1983 at Bayreuth. Sadly it became clear that he had lost his insight into Wagner’s tetrology creating an overly-analyzed and mannered performance. In many ways this performance, from 1965, may be his finest recording of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. Notorious in the studio for insisting on take after take, to the detriment of any kind of freshness, he is forced to rely more on his instincts which prove to be wiser in many ways than his obsession with perfection. The orchestration sounds like a living organism the undulates and breaths with the action on stage. The cast assembled is first rate. Amy Shuard brings a beauty and youthfulness that is rarely associated with Brünnhilde. Wolfgang Windgassen and Gottlob Frick reprise their roles as Siegfried and Hagen, respectively and a young Gwyneth Jones gets to dip her toe into the Wagner pool, delivering a red-hot Sieglinde aided in no small part to the superb Siegmund of Ernst Kozub. This should be a priceless document to anyone who grew up listening to the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10767-14\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634235016,"sku":"10767-14","price":112.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099185988,"sku":"MP3 10767-14","price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10767-14front.jpg?v=1751036527"},{"product_id":"puccini-tosca-jones-raimondi-gobbi-santi","title":"Puccini: Tosca - Jones, Raimondi, Gobbi; Santi.  Zürich, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn what proves to be an electrifying collaboration, Gwyneth Jones and Tito Gobbi deliver a performance that defies expectations. Despite seeming to occupy opposite ends of the operatic spectrum, these two towering talents share a fiery dramatic intensity that ignites the stage in one of the most thrilling Act IIs imaginable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJones, in peak form, dazzles with her shimmering high notes, each one more radiant than the last. Her Tosca is a force of nature, commanding attention at every turn. Opposite her, Gianni Raimondi's Cavaradossi may lack the same dramatic weight, but his vocal portrayal compensates with a heartfelt sensitivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality, while serviceable, doesn't quite match the fervor of the performances, but it’s a minor quibble in the face of such remarkable artistry. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10779-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634071176,"sku":"10779-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098777988,"sku":"MP3 10779-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10779-2front.jpg?v=1751036521"},{"product_id":"berlioz-la-mort-de-cleopatre-gwyneth-jones","title":"Berlioz: La Mort de Cléopâtre - Gwyneth Jones; Schippers.  Rome, 1972","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Berlioz's style of vocal writing straddled both classical and romantic sensibilities, it generally requiring singers who have the vocal heft for Wagner but the control to sing Mozart.  Gwyneth Jones in the early 70s had just that (being one of the few singers to alternate Mozart roles with Brünnhilde) and scores a triumph in this short but action-packed cantata about the death of Cleopatra.  She is joined by Thomas Schippers at the podium who tailors the accompaniment superbly for Jones voice without sacrificing taste.  The sound is excellent and I have included some interesting excerpts of Jones singing rarities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGwyneth Jones sings arias from \u003cem\u003eCarmen, Der fliegende Holländer, Otello, Don Carlo\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAida\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10790-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633645192,"sku":"10790-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098607620,"sku":"MP3 10790-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10790-1front.jpg?v=1751036508"},{"product_id":"wagner-tannhauser-jones-weikl-beresford-sotin-leinsdorf","title":"Wagner: Tannhäuser - Beresford, Jones, Jones, Weikl, Sotin; Leinsdorf.  Bayreuth, 1972","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a surprise that it took Bayreuth so long to toy with the idea of casting both Elisabeth and Venus with the same soprano.  It is also possible that they were waiting for a singer with the versatility to excel at both.  Enter Gwyneth Jones.  Jones delivers one of the most sultry Venuses I have ever heard.  Her Elisabeth is on the more dramatic side which works great for her big outburst in Act II.  Still she manages to avoid compromising the youth of the character.  It would be easy for Hugh Beresford, in the title role, to be overshadowed by such an extraordinary artist taking on double-duty, but he hold his own quite well.  The voice has a nice burnished quality and copes well with the tessitura.   Bernd Weikl and Hans Sotin are luxuries as Wolfram and Landgraf and the orchestra is lead by veteran Wagnerian, Erich Leinsdorf.  The sound is good although there are occasional clicks in Act III.  In addition, I can't be certain if the overture is from this performance as they use the Paris Version while then reverting to the Dresden version when the opera begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10798-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633317512,"sku":"10798-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099254404,"sku":"MP3 10798-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10798-3front.jpg?v=1751036496"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-jones-mcintyre-napier-king-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Waküre - Jones, McIntyre, Napier, King, Ridderbusch, Reynolds; Stein. Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e captures Gwyneth Jones right at the moment when she was beginning to hit her stride as a Wagnerian soprano and displays a soprano that is both lush and steely but also capable of delicate singing particularly in the last scene with Wotan.  Donald McIntyre brings a more human approach to Wotan, eschewing the Bayreuth bark in favor of a more introspective approach.  James King's Siegmund is both stentorian and fresh in a way that you would not expect from a tenor who had been singing some of the most dramatic rep for the past twenty years.  His \u003cem\u003e\"Winterstürme\"\u003c\/em\u003e in particular should serve as model to would-be heldentenors that singing Wagner is not just about power.  Marita Napier is a disappointment as Sieglinde.  The voice is unfocused and strident.  Horst Stein gives enormous attention to the melodic lyricism of this opera finding musical lines even in the most bombastic moments.  The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10801-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633219208,"sku":"10801-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099203908,"sku":"MP3 10801-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10801-3front.jpg?v=1751036492"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-cox-jones-mcintyre-zednik-hoffgen-stein","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Cox, Jones, McIntyre, Zednik, Neidlinger, Höffgen; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think that it is fair to say that very few tenors have hit all the marks with Siegfried.  If they excel in the lyrical moments it often comes at the expense of the more dramatic moments and vice versa.   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-ring-jones-mcintyre-cox-king-napier-ridderbusch-reynolds-stein","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Ridderbusch, King, Napier, Reynolds; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\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 is quite good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10805-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633153672,"sku":"10805-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242820,"sku":"MP3 10805-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10805-1front.jpg?v=1751036489"},{"product_id":"verdi-don-carlo-jones-domingo-ludwig-paskalis-ghiaurov-hotter-klobucar","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo - Domingo, Jones, Ludwig, Paskalis, Ghiaurov, Hotter; Klobucar.  Wien, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cast of \u003cem\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/em\u003e is nothing short of spectacular. Placido Domingo sings with ease and beauty in the title role. Gwyneth Jones was a last minute replacement as Elisabetta (a short side note: She had been scheduled to record \u003cem\u003eElektra\u003c\/em\u003e with Birgit Nilsson, Regina Resnik and Georg Solti but withdrew go to Vienna to sing this performance.) Anyone who has ever found fault with her late performances needs to listen to her early singing Verdi in her prime to appreciate what a remarkable singer she was. Christa Ludwig delivers a fiery Eboli, remarkable for its dramatic bite as well as her vocal security. Nicolai Ghiaurov is no less wonderful as Filippo and receives one of the most effusive ovations I have ever heard after \u003cem\u003e\"Ella giammai m'amò.\"\u003c\/em\u003e Hans Hotter is icing on the cake as the Grand Inquisitor. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10812-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632891528,"sku":"10812-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099094404,"sku":"MP3 10812-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10812-3front_8fccc0cd-2db3-4e30-a76a-118b51dbdae4.jpg?v=1751036480"},{"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-die-walkure-ligendza-adam-jones-brilioth-reynolds-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Ligendza, Adam, Jones, Brilioth, Reynolds, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonderful thing about casting at Bayreuth in the 1970s was that there seemed to be an appreciation of having voices that still had the ability to convey a certain amount of youth. This is aided by the wonderful acoustics of the hall and the covered pit which allow singers to actually sing Wagner's beautiful lines as opposed to bellow them. Catarina Ligendza in the title role brings all the requisite steel to Brünnhilde as well as an innocence that one almost never gets to hear in Wagner. I can recall no other Brünnhilde who conveys the frightened despair of Brünnhilde in Act III as well as she does. Theo Adam's baritonal Wotan conveys a youthful father, still at the age where he can impart fatherly wisdom but also engage in child's play. Gwyneth Jones and Helge Brilioth must have looked gorgeous on stage as Siegmund and Sieglinde. In 1971, Jones was poised to graduate to the role of Brünnhilde although Sieglinde was still an excellent fit for her rich soprano. Brilioth's voice is virile and youthful. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10858-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630270088,"sku":"10858-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099205572,"sku":"MP3 10858-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10858-3front.jpg?v=1751036419"},{"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-ring-excerpts-ligendza-cox-adam-jones-brilioth-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Ligendza, Adam, Cox, Jones, Brilioth, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\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\u003eDas 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 10862-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630139016,"sku":"10862-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099241924,"sku":"MP3 10862-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10862-1front.jpg?v=1751036414"},{"product_id":"schoenberg-moses-und-aron-lewis-robinson-jones-minton-solti","title":"Schoenberg: Moses und Aron (In English) - Lewis, Robinson, Lanigan, Kelly, Jones; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMoses und Aron\u003c\/em\u003e is certainly a more challenging work that \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e both dramatically and musically.  The music lacks the atavistic romanticism of Berg's score and the drama does not have the same kind of power.  That is not to say that this opera is any less of a satisfying experience.  The colors Schoenberg creates have an otherworldly quality much like the Rite of Spring.  For example, in the opening scene Moses is depicted speaking to God through the burning bush.  Schoenberg sets the voice of God as a six voice choir juxtaposed with a chorus of children singing in \u003cem\u003eSprechstimme\u003c\/em\u003e.  The effect is mesmerizing.   Although I have seen this opera live twice now, I don't think it has ever really made sense to me until I came across this performance.  This is due mostly to the fact that it is sung in English.  When you hear \u003cem\u003eSprechstimme\u003c\/em\u003e in your native tongue you will find that the style begins to make sense and Forbes Robinson, as Moses, seems devoted to the idea of approaching this style as if it were a spoken play with music underneath even to the detriment of his otherwise mellifluous bass voice.  Richard Lewis's charismatic tenor makes him a wonderful counterpart as Aron to the otherwise taciturn Moses.  The rest of the cast includes such notable up-and-coming singers as Maureen Guy, Yvonne Minton, Gwyneth Jones and Delme Bryn-Jones.  It is to Sir Georg Solti's enormous credit that he would not only tackle this very thorny score but he could find music and even at times lyricism within it.  The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10881-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629549192,"sku":"10881-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098804420,"sku":"MP3 10881-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10881-2front.jpg?v=1751036394"},{"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.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not uncommon for two sopranos to split duties as Brünnhilde in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, but I have never come across a complete cycle inhabited by three different Brünnhildes. It had originally been intended for Berit Lindholm to sing the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and Catarina Ligendza to sing the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde, but Lindholm fell ill before the performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e giving Ursula Schröder-Feinen, who was still relatively unknown at the time, the opportunity to show off her Wagnerian chops. And some mighty fine chops they are, I might add. 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":"britten-war-requiem-pears-shirley-quirk-jones-kubelik","title":"Britten: War Requiem - Jones, Pears, Shirley-Quirk; Kubelik.  München, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough any performance of the \u003cem\u003eWar Requiem\u003c\/em\u003e is a powerful experience, this occasion must have been doubly poignant as it took place just five days after Benjamin Britten's untimely death. It is a remarkable testament to Peter Pears' artistry that he was able to sing in this performance given Britten and his long artistic and personal association. The result is a very moving reading of of one of Britten's most emotional works. Although Pears' best years were well past, the tessitura of the part proves friendly enough and he delivers a sensitive and subtle performance. John Shirley-Quirk's virile voice proves an excellent counterpart to Pears (although one misses a German singer, a la Fischer-Dieskau, as it goes one step further in creating an allegory for World War II.) Gwyneth Jones voice soars over chorus and orchestra. Rafael Kubelik shows a knack for Britten's unique style. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10961-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627255432,"sku":"10961-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098620164,"sku":"MP3 10961-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10961-1front.jpg?v=1751036340"},{"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-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":"wagner-siegfried-gotterdammerung-shuard-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Siegfried \u0026 Götterdämmerung (Excerpts) - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the heals of releasing the complete 1967 \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e from Buenos Aires, I had the good fortune to come across some excerpts from a few months later with nearly the same cast, the notable exception being Amy Shuard as Brünnhilde, stepping in for Birgit Nilsson. Shuard’s approach to Brünnhilde could not be more different from Nilsson’s. Her voice didn’t have the same thrust, but instead she brought a beauty of tone and lyricism that is all to rare in Wagner. Remarkably, she manages to maintain her vocal beauty even during some of the most dramatic scenes of Act II of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. The rest of the cast includes Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried, David Ward, as the Wanderer, Grace Hoffman as Waltraute and the luxury casting of Gwyneth Jones as Gutrune. The recording is in very good stereo sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11065-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623618184,"sku":"11065-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244484,"sku":"MP3 11065-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11065-3front.jpg?v=1751036232"},{"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":"strauss-salome-jones-bailey-ulfung-begg-dohnanyi","title":"Strauss: Salome - Jones, Ulfung, Bailey, Begg, de Peyer; von Dohnanyi.  London, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew sopranos possess the beauty (both vocal and physical) and the power to really make an impact as Salome. Gwyneth Jones was one such exception. But there was also more… Jones could have easily relied on her physical and vocal attributes to carry her through the evening. Instead she create a young woman that is both captivating and mysterious. She makes it clear that Salome, despite knowing how to use her youth to her advantage, has a real mean streak which culminates in a final scene in which you get the sense that she might devour the head as opposed to kissing it. Ragnar Ulfung as Herod brings all the menace and nervous energy that made him such great Monostatos in the Ingmar Bergman \u003cem\u003eMagic Flute.\u003c\/em\u003e As Jochanaan, Norman Bailey delivers fire and brimstone but lacks a little in the glamor department, making it a little difficult to see what Salome sees in him. Heather Begg makes much of her moments as Herodias. The evening is expertly led by Christoph von Dohnányi. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11082-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623323272,"sku":"11082-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099061828,"sku":"MP3 11082-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11082-2front_54aa7ad6-fe85-475e-b714-20613898a7e7.jpg?v=1751036220"},{"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":"verdi-don-carlo-gwyneth-jones-prevedi-rita-gorr-glossop-christoff-ward-downes","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo - Prevedi, Jones, Gorr, Glossop, Christoff, Ward; Downes.  London, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/em\u003e is chalked, top to bottom, with stellar singers. If you are one of those opera fans who never understood the appeal of Gwyneth Jones, this recording will likely be the revelation you have been waiting for. Jones is in superb voice particularly her top which is gleaming. Rita Gorr’s Eboli is a little less wild than some of her colleagues which gives the character a little more humanity. However, she is anything but dainty, and her \u003cem\u003e”O don fatale”\u003c\/em\u003e is truly hair-raising. Bruno Prevedi is sturdy as Don Carlo, although his pitch tends to sag at times. Peter Glossop is an excellent Posa and Boris Christoff brings his over-sized bass (and presence) to the role of Filippo II. The highlight for me was the showdown between Christoff’s Filippo and David Ward’s Grand Inquisitor. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11124-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620603528,"sku":"11124-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099094148,"sku":"MP3 11124-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11124-3front.jpg?v=1751036162"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-birgit-nilsson-gwyneth-jones-carlos-kleiber","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Nilsson, Jones, Szirmay, Craig, McIntyre; C. Kleiber. London, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a true shame that \u003cem\u003eElektra\u003c\/em\u003e did not make it into the handful of operas that \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e fixated upon throughout his storied, and idiosyncratic, career. The musical vernacular of \u003cem\u003eElektra\u003c\/em\u003e, with its raw, organic undulations wedded with a faint flavor of Viennese grandeur, was just the kind of thing that Carlos Kleiber effortlessly mastered and he does no less in this taut performance. And although he achieves remarkable precision in the ensemble that can mean the difference between this massive work sounding like music and just random noise, this is hardly an academic exercise. 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":"erich-carlos-kleiber-retrospective-tristan-wozzeck-siegfried-gotterdammerung-otello-falstaff-rheingold","title":"Compilation: Erich \u0026 Carlos Kleiber - Excerpts from Wozzeck, Falstaff, Otello, Elektra, Tristan \u0026 The Ring","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLauding the phenomenon of \u003cstrong\u003eErich\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e is hardly a new pastime in the opera world, and I must admit I feel a bit intimidated doing so now. Much has been said about the meticulous yet organic touch of Erich Kleiber and the idiomatic (and seemingly intentionally enigmatic) technical style of Carlos. What stands out most to me about these two is their uncanny ability to take well-known works and leave you feeling as if you were hearing them for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether it’s the fleet reading of the elder’s \u003cem\u003eMeistersinger\u003c\/em\u003e overture or the gut-wrenching ecstasy of Carlos’ \u003cem\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/em\u003e, both had a way of investing music with a kind of magic that defies analysis. It wasn’t about tempo choices or articulation or any other banal musical considerations—they took notes on the page and turned them into something living and transcendent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compilation bears that out, featuring early excerpts conducted by Erich as well as some of Carlos’ rare forays beyond the few operas to which he returned so often.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11174-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292616048776,"sku":"11174-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098684804,"sku":"MP3 11174-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11174-2front.jpg?v=1751036102"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Jones-Gwyneth.png?v=1748058694","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/gwyneth-jones.oembed?page=5","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}