Beethoven: Fidelio - Borkh, Beirer, Greindl, Neidlinger, Tappy; Ansermet. Geneva, 1964

$8.95



Listen to a Sample:

With a dramatic soprano like Inge Borkh in the title role of Fidelio, one might expect her to shine in the declamatory sections while being less suited to the more lyrical moments. Yet, upon listening to this recording, I found the opposite to be true. She delivers a remarkably smooth Abscheulicher, particularly in the adagio section. Later in the opera, however, she is somewhat uneven, especially during the Er sterbe! trio.

Hans Beirer sings "Gott! Welch dunkel hier!" with unflinching confidence, while Josef Greindl brings unexpected warmth to Rocco, softening the imposing quality of his dark bass. The one real disappointment is Elisabeth Schwarzenberg as Marzelline—her voice is uneven and does not match the level of her colleagues.

BONUS:
Sir Thomas Beecham conducts the Leonore 3 overture
Buenos Aires, 1958

OD 10557-2