{"title":"HOPF, Hans","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"strauss-die-frau-ohne-schatten-rysanek-hopf-schech-metternich-benningsen-kempe-munchen-1954","title":"Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - Rysanek, Hopf, Schech, Metternich, Benningsen; Kempe.  München, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf the performances of \u003cem\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/em\u003e I have heard, this is one of the most successful at making sense out of an otherwise obtuse fairy tale. This is due in no small part to the stellar cast and the youthful energy they bring to their parts. Leonie Rysanek is captured before Abigaille and other roles that she took on in the 60s would rob her of the youthful purity of her voice. Her voice has an alluring silvery shimmer that is consistent during her most dramatic outbursts as well as the almost miraculously delicate pianissimos. She is well paired with Marianne Schech who sings the Dyer's Wife. Schech's voice always reminded me of Rysanek's. Although a shade brighter, it had the same kind of electric excitement on top. Hans Hopf highlights the lyricism of the Emperor even during some of the most athletic singing. Josef Metternich's approach to Barak is similarly lyrical, making for some very beautiful moments in Act III when he is searching for his wife. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10940-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666937480,"sku":"10940-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099044420,"sku":"MP3 10940-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10940-3front.jpg?v=1751037334"},{"product_id":"mascagni-cavalleria-rusticana-varnay-hopf","title":"Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana - Varnay, Hopf, Pease, Scholl, Munch; Sawallisch. München, 1954","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nSantuzza – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTuriddu – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAlfio – \u003cstrong\u003eJames Pease\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLola – \u003cstrong\u003eHanna Munch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMamma Lucia – \u003cstrong\u003eHanna Scholl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1954\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10068-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292663660680,"sku":"10068-1","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Mascagni-Pietro_dcf79e32-1260-4880-8534-b84d89e31261.png?v=1782509518"},{"product_id":"verdi-aida-rysanek-madeira-hopf-london-frick-kubelik","title":"Verdi: Aida (In German) - Rysanek, Hopf, Madeira, London, Frick; Kubelik. Wien, 1955","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nAida – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmneris – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Madeira\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRadamès – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmonasro – \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRamfis – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1955\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eRafael Kubelik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10251-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292658090120,"sku":"10251-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_2978e167-b622-44a9-9a12-647a8fed09d2.png?v=1782510027"},{"product_id":"strauss-salome-jones-hopf-modl-weikl","title":"Strauss: Salome - Jones, Hopf, Weikl, Mödl; Reiger.  München, 1977","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nSalome – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHerodes – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHerodias – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJochanaan – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNarraboth – \u003cstrong\u003eClaes Ahnsjö\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPage der Herodias – \u003cstrong\u003eHelena Jungwirth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 27, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Reiger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10334-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292654813320,"sku":"10334-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Strauss-Richard_d3082080-1089-4f05-bd66-8eb9b35e09a6.png?v=1782510343"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-brouwenstijn-hopf-schoffler-beecham","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Brouwenstijn, Hopf, Schöffler, van Mill; Beecham. Buenos Aires, 1958","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nFidelio – \u003cstrong\u003eGre Brouwenstijn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFlorestan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDon Pizzaro – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Schöffler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRocco – \u003cstrong\u003eArnold Van Mill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMarzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eOlga Chelavine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJacquino – \u003cstrong\u003eMurray Dickie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDon Fernando – \u003cstrong\u003eAngel Matiello\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nErster Gefangener – \u003cstrong\u003eItalo Pasini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nZweiter Gefangener – \u003cstrong\u003eHector Barbieri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eTeatro Colón, Buenos Aires\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember, 1958\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Thomas Beecham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10400-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292648325256,"sku":"10400-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Beethoven-Ludwig-van_50378951-047f-4751-9105-dbd3bf4acb56.png?v=1782510695"},{"product_id":"leoncavallo-pagliacci-hopf-muszely-prey-cordes-santi","title":"Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci (In German) - Hopf, Muszely, Prey, Cordes, Dickie; Santi. Germany, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile \u003cem\u003ePagliacci\u003c\/em\u003e might seem an unlikely fit for an all-German cast, this performance proves that a touch of German musical sensibility can cast new light on \u003cstrong\u003eRuggero Leoncavallo\u003c\/strong\u003e’s brutally beautiful opera. In the title role, \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e brings the same searing intensity and raw despair to Canio that he famously brought to Tristan while also displaying his knack for legato singing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelitta Muszely\u003c\/strong\u003e is a name that has faded from prominence, which is unfortunate—her winsome voice, capable of remarkable versatility, is perfectly suited to Nedda, a role that always poses a casting challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Prey\u003c\/strong\u003e sings Silvio with elegance and charm. The natural beauty of his voice—paired with the conviction he brings to the role —makes a compelling case for why Nedda would be tempted to run off with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the podium, \u003cstrong\u003eNello Santi\u003c\/strong\u003e anchors the performance, providing a vital infusion of authentic Italianate pathos that brings the entire evening into focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNEW MASTER:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e-Clipping removed. Track information added\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10441-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292647506056,"sku":"10441-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098707524,"sku":"MP3 10441-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50266210009409,"sku":"FLAC 10441-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10441-1front.jpg?v=1751036933"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-ligendza-hopf-balzani-neidlinger-sotin-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Hopf, Ligendza, Balzani, Neidlinger, Sotin, Dermota; C. Kleiber.  Wien, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe undeniable star of this recording is the conductor, \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it remains a great loss that he confined himself to such a limited operatic repertoire, the works he cherished—\u003cem\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e—received performances of extraordinary nuance and insight under his baton. His approach to the \u003cem\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/em\u003e is a prime example, beginning with an almost ethereal transparency in the pianos and building an exquisitely controlled crescendo toward the final, resplendent climax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cast is strong as well. \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e, a frequent Isolde in Kleiber’s performances, seems entirely in sync with his vision. Her voice leans toward the lighter side, which lends her portrayal an unusual sense of approachability. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e, while impressive in the dramatic outbursts, struggles when required to sing softly, with occasional lapses in pitch. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a rich, resonant presence to Marke, while \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Kurwenal, though somewhat gruff, remains consistently compelling from a dramatic standpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatarina Ligendza sings the Liebestod from \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBayreuth, 1976. Carlos Kleiber, conductor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10561-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643180680,"sku":"10561-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099258884,"sku":"MP3 10561-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10561-3front.jpg?v=1751036813"},{"product_id":"puccini-tosca-rysanek-hopf-metternich-topper","title":"Puccini: Tosca (In German) - Rysanek, Hopf, Metternich, Töpper; R. Kraus.  München, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis German \u003cem\u003eTosca\u003c\/em\u003e shows off the great Leonie Rysanek at the very beginning of her career. Rysanek's middle voice is as full as I have ever heard it and her top is gleaming. Hans Hopf seems surprisingly at home in Puccini and displays a remarkable top that he rarely got to show off while singing Wagner. Joseph Metternich's voice is probably the least Italianate of the bunch but his portrayal of Scarpia is so bone-chilling that it more that compensates. On a lighter note if you are wondering who that lush-voiced Shepherd is, it is a young Hertha Töpper. Although she is hardly a convincing replacement for a boy soprano, it is still nice to hear her. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTosca\u003c\/em\u003e excerpts with Leonie Rysanek, James King \u0026amp; Eberhard Wächter\u003cbr\u003eWien, 1970\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10976-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292641214600,"sku":"10976-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098780228,"sku":"MP3 10976-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10976-2front.jpg?v=1751036754"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hopf-varnay-wiener-kempe","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Varnay, Wiener, Kraus, Klaus, Höffgen, Holt; Kempe.  Bayreuth, 1963","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is astonishing to think of the talent that was walking the streets of Bayreuth in the summer of 1963. Birgit Nilsson and Astrid Varnay were alternating Isoldes with Karl Böhm, Irene Dalis and Hans Knappertsbusch were participating in now legendary performances of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e, Thomas Schippers was conducting \u003cem\u003eMeistersinger\u003c\/em\u003e with a 22 year-old Anja Silja as Eva and Rudolf Kempe was leading the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. This recording of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e from that historic summer highlights not only the level of singing but also the overall musicianship at work. Rudolf Kempe creates a lightness to the score one rarely hears and the orchestra never lets the formidable technical demands of Wagner's writing get the better of them. In the title role, Hans Hopf delivers some impressive singing even if at times the pitch tends to sag. Astrid Varnay in her brief turn as Brünnhilde demonstrates that even though she was beginning to move into mezzo territory, she still had the goods for a great Brünnhilde, high Cs and all. Otto Wiener brings a baritonal elegance to the role of the Wanderer and Otakar Kraus is a wonderfully malevolent Alberich. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10983-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640985224,"sku":"10983-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099245252,"sku":"MP3 10983-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":27896798280,"sku":"FLAC 10983-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10983-4front.jpeg?v=1751036745"},{"product_id":"d-albert-tiefland-varnay-hopf-symonette-quennet","title":"D'Albert: Tiefland - Varnay, Hopf, Symonette, Ernster; Quennet.  Düsseldorf, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was completely unfamiliar with this opera, aside from the soprano aria \"Ich weiß nicht, wer mein Vater war,\" and had no idea what to expect. After listening to it with the libretto in hand, I realized that no expectations could have prepared me for such a unique and enigmatic work. Written in 1903, the opera is fascinating in its ability to bridge the 19th and 20th centuries. Its composition weaves together Wagnerian sweeping romanticism, hints of Straussian expressionism, and touches of Italian verismo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story revolves around a disgraced woman, Marta, who ultimately finds redemption through the man she loves. However, Marta is far from a stereotypical 19th century female martyr. The libretto is strikingly explicit about the indignities she endured, growing up with a blind mother who \"never knew who the father was.\" What initially seems like a romantic-era pastorale gradually evolves into something closer to 20th century expressionism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance is exceptional. By 1964, \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e was already nearing the end of her \"soprano era\", but Marta remained well within her range. She delivers a deeply moving portrayal of Marta’s inner torment and self-loathing. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e is in excellent form. The lyrical nature of the role suits him perfectly, and the pitch issues that plagued some of his other performances are absent here. The sound quality is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10605-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292640886920,"sku":"10605-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098656644,"sku":"MP3 10605-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10605-2front.jpg?v=1751036742"},{"product_id":"giordano-andrea-chenier-hopf-schech-metternich-sawallisch","title":"Giordano: Andrea Chenier (In German) - Hopf, Schech, Metternich; Sawallisch.  München, 1956","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe other standout is \u003cstrong\u003eMarianne Schech\u003c\/strong\u003e as Maddalena. Her voice has a wild, electrifying quality reminiscent of \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e, but it comes across as slightly cleaner and more slender. When she opens up her upper register, the result is almost rapturous. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10664-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292638396552,"sku":"10664-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098690308,"sku":"MP3 10664-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10664-2front.jpg?v=1751036670"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-hopf-frick-keleman-hoffman-klobucar","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Hopf, Frick, Keleman, Cordes, Hoffman; Klobucar.  Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few months I have been making a point to amass as many Bayreuth performances as are available. The remarkable thing that I have come to learn in doing so, is that even though they perform the same operas over and over and often with the same cast, each performance is different. (Irene Dalis told me that over the three consecutive summers that she went there to sing Kundry, Wieland Wagner would show up with a different conception each time.) This performance assembles the great Astrid Varnay with Hans Hopf and Gottlob Frick. The \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde always brought out the best in Varnay and she shines from love duet to Immolation scene. Hans Hopf's voice comes across as a little wooden but he manages the daunting challenges of this role with seeming ease. Gottlob Frick's black bass voice creates an evil yet oddly aristocratic Hagen. The rest of the cast is very good particularly the third Norn of Anita Välkki. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11037-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292636070024,"sku":"11037-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222788,"sku":"MP3 11037-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11037-4front.jpg?v=1751036578"},{"product_id":"puccini-turandot-goltz-hopf-stich-randall-solti","title":"Puccini: Turandot (In German) - Goltz, Hopf, Stich-Randall, Schirp; Solti.  Frankfurt, 1956","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the glamor and savagery of Puccini's \u003cem\u003eTurandot\u003c\/em\u003e, one would think that it would be a mainstay in the repertoire of Georg Solti. Strangely enough this is the only Solti \u003cem\u003eTurandot\u003c\/em\u003e I have ever come across. Not surprisingly, Solti creates a performance explosive both in the raw expressionism of the work and, of course, in Puccini's sublime lyricism. The cast features some excellent choices including the Turandot of Christel Goltz, whose steely yet glamorous soprano conveys all the coldness and brutality of the titular role. Hans Hopf seems to relish the opportunity to sing in the Italianate style and delivers some thrilling high notes. Teresa Stich-Randall is an ethereal Liù. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10751-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635054216,"sku":"10751-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098785732,"sku":"MP3 10751-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10751-2front.jpg?v=1751036562"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hans-hopf-birgit-nilsson-milligan-kempe","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Nilsson, Milligan, O. Kraus, H. Kraus, Höffgen; Kempe.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most Wagnerites out there your eye will immediately go to the Siegfried and Brünnhilde team of Hans Hopf and Birgit Nilsson, but the real interest of this recording lies in the Wotan of Canadian bass-baritone, James Milligan. Milligan was on his way to have an outstanding career. Sadly this career was cut short when he suffered from a heart attack at the age of 33, just months after this performance took place. As Wotan, he possessed all of the charm, charisma as well as world-weary defeatism that the role requires and although the voice was quite gorgeous, he also reveals an innate musicality and sensitivity to text. Hans Hopf is nearly stupendous as Siegfried. I say \"nearly\" because despite his burnished tone and secure top, his tendency to occasionally go flat can detract from his merits. There is nothing that can detract from Birgit Nilsson's Brünnhilde. In 1961 she was at the height of her powers and effortlessly throws off some of the most daunting music that Wagner ever wrote for soprano. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10998-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626337928,"sku":"10998-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244740,"sku":"MP3 10998-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10998-4front.jpg?v=1751036311"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-hopf-frick-stewart-crespin-kempe","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Hopf, Frick, Stewart, Crespin, Kraus, Hoffman; Kempe. Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast for \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e really doesn't get any better than this. You have Birgit Nilsson, at the peak of her career, singing Brünnhilde, Hans Hopf, a tenor who was never the first choice of his day but would own the world if her were active now, Gottlob Frick, the Bela Lugosi of Basses, as Hagen, Thomas Stewart, as Gunther and even Régine Crespin as the third Norn. With Rudolf Kempe at the helm, it made for an exhilarating culmination to a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that is truly one of the greatest ever preserved. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10999-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626305160,"sku":"10999-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099218692,"sku":"MP3 10999-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10999-4front.jpg?v=1751036310"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-nilsson-varnay-hines-milligan-crespin-resnik-kempe-bayreuth-1961","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Varnay, Hines, Milligan, Crespin, Resnik; Kempe.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven in an era in which there seemed to be an over abundance of great Wagner singers, this \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e stands out. Many seem to dislike the tradition of splitting up roles in a complete cycle, but when you have Astrid Varnay alternating the role of Brünnhilde with a fresh-voiced Birgit Nilsson it is hard to complain. Varnay brings a sensitivity and subtlety to Brünnhilde as well as remarkable vocal security despite having sung this role for twenty years. Birgit Nilsson takes the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and sings with effortless strength and beauty. Other stand-outs include James Milligan as the Wanderer. If you have never heard of him, it is because he tragically died a few months after this performance at the age of 33. This document, one of the few that remain, demonstrates that he was to have been the greatest Wotan of his generation. Jerome Hines sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and brings both warmth and gravitas. Regina Resnik, formerly a Bayreuth Sieglinde, shows that her true calling was as Fricka and delivers a goddess formidable enough to stand up to the head god. Régine Crespin delivers an impassioned Sieglinde as well as an impressive third Norn. Gottlob Frick once again asserts his dominance over the role of Hagen and Thomas Stewart delivers a Gunther that is more dynamic hero than patsy. The sound ranges from excellent to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11000-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626239624,"sku":"11000-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099184324,"sku":"MP3 11000-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11000-13front.jpg?v=1751036308"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-nibelungen-nilsson-varnay-crespin-hines-resnik-stewart-kempe","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Nilsson, Varnay, Hines, Uhl, Crespin, Frick, Stewart; Kempe.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven in an era in which there seemed to be an over abundance of great Wagner singers, this \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e stands out. Many seem to dislike the tradition of splitting up roles in a complete cycle, but when you have Astrid Varnay alternating the role of Brünnhilde with a fresh voiced Birgit Nilsson it is hard to complain. Varnay brings a sensitivity and subtlety to Brünnhilde as well as remarkable vocal security despite having sung this role for twenty years. Birgit Nilsson takes the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and sings with effortless strength and beauty. Other stand-outs include James Milligan as the Wanderer. If you have never heard of him, it is because he tragically died a few months after this performance at the age of 33. This document, one of the few that remain, demonstrates that he was to have been the greatest Wotan of his generation. Jerome Hines sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and brings both warmth and gravitas. Regina Resnik, formerly a Bayreuth Sieglinde, shows that her true calling was as Fricka and delivers a goddess formidable enough to stand up to the head god. Régine Crespin delivers an impassioned Sieglinde as well as an impressive third Norn. Gottlob Frick once again asserts his dominance over the role of Hagen and Thomas Stewart delivers a Gunther that is more dynamic hero than patsy. I had a great time making this compilation and have included many of the famous sections as well as some of my favorite parts like the Third Norn solo in the prologue of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e with Régine Crespin as well as the thrilling conclusion to Act II of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. The sound ranges from excellent to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11001-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625682568,"sku":"11001-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099243204,"sku":"MP3 11001-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11001-2front.jpg?v=1751036289"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-schoffler-brouwenstijn-hopf-berry-von-matacic","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Schöffler, Brouwenstijn, Hopf, von Rohr; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1958","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/em\u003e features Paul Schöffler at the end of his glorious career and in one of his greatest roles. Already in his 60s, Schöffler's voice proves tireless despite the nearly 2 hours of continuous singing that is required of Hans Sachs. He also makes much of Sachs' more intimate moments particularly his Act II aria. He has an excellent Eva in the form of Gré Brouwenstijn who brings vocal opulence without compromising any of the character's wide-eyed wonder. Hans Hopf's oversized tenor is not as successful at conveying youthfulness, but he makes up for it with a remarkably controlled and delicate \u003cem\u003ePreislied\u003c\/em\u003e especially given the size of his voice. The rest of the cast is made up of local singers with the exception of a young Walter Berry who commands all of Fritz Kothner's brief but important moments. The sounds is generally good although there is some mild distortion in the Act I Prelude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaul Schöffler sings excerpts from \u003cem\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBayreuth, 1943\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11032-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624896136,"sku":"11032-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099197636,"sku":"MP3 11032-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11032-4front.jpg?v=1751036267"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-bayreuth-1964-klobucar-adam-hoffman-stolze","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Hoffman, Cordes, Stolze, Hopf, Meyfarth, Frick; Klobucar, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the premiere of a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e at Bayreuth will always be a very special occasion, some of the most satisfying performances come from the last years of a given production, after a cast has had many summers to refine their approach and find new nuances. Such is the case for this performance of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold,\u003c\/em\u003e particularly the dynamic between Theo Adam as Wotan and Gerhard Stolze as Loge. The interaction between Stolze and Adam is so natural that they almost give the impression that they are actors in a play as opposed to singers. That is not to say that their singing is any less distinguished. Adam in particular sounds as fresh and virile as ever. Grace Hoffman adds needed sympathy to the role of Fricka. The one newcomer to the production is Berislav Klobucar. Klobuar's take on the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e seems a little more organic compared with Kempe's manicured approach and he deftly curates the moments when to let the orchestra sing and when they should accompany the singers. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11034-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624830600,"sku":"11034-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099157828,"sku":"MP3 11034-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11034-2front.jpg?v=1751036265"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hopf-varnay-hoffmann-klobucar-bayreuth-1964","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Varnay, Hoffmann, Kraus, Höffgen; Klobucar. Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is odd why Hans Hopf's contributions to the world of Wagner haven't been recognized in the same way as other tenors of his era. In this performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e, he bring equal parts power and lyricism to a role that requires both of those seemingly diametrically opposed characteristics. More often than not the latter gets sacrificed when the practical consideration of being heard over Wagner's orchestra comes into play. Astrid Varnay had already begun the transition to the mezzo rep at the time of this performance which is somewhat puzzling as she sings with remarkable security including two gleaming high Cs that can even bedevil sopranos in their prime. It is interesting to have Hubert Hoffmann assume the role of the Wanderer after having had in Theo Adam in the previous two operas as their voices have similar timbres. Adam's may have had a little more range of expression and seemed more comfortable with the top, but Hoffmann still distinguishes himself as the elder Wotan, bringing an avuncular gravitas to the role. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11036-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624765064,"sku":"11036-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099245188,"sku":"MP3 11036-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11036-4front.jpg?v=1751036263"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-varnay-valkki-hopf-adam-hoffmann-uhl-frick-klobucar-bayreuth-1964","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Varnay, Välkki, Hopf, Adam, Hoffmann, Uhl, Frick; Klobucar. Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA revival at Bayreuth is different than at other houses. The standard model is that when a house revives a production, they will often bring in an entirely new cast, conductor and an assistant will restage the original director's vision. At Bayreuth, however, the same conductor will return for each subsequent mounting, as well as the original stage director, often bringing new ideas, and for the most part the same cast will return to their respective roles. The result is that as productions come back, the overall concept gets tighter and more nuanced. (Think of how the Chéreau \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e was a panned in 1976 when it premiered and lauded by the time the videos were made in 1981.) This phenomenon is borne out in this performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, which marked the last summer of Wolfgang Wagner's 1960 production. The one very notable difference is that it was conducted by Berislav Klobucar as opposed to Rudolf Kempe, marking his only \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e at Bayreuth. Klobucar brings an earthier approach to the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e and if he is less refined than Rudolf Kempe, there is a guttural immediacy and dramatic impact that is lacking from Kempe's cycles. The cast is first rate. Anita Välkki sings the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde and Astrid Varnay sings the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes. Välkki brings a youthful athleticism to the role whereas Varnay brings her 20 years of experience with the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e as well as her voluptuous, gleaming high notes. As Siegfried, Hans Hopf's burnished tenor brings to mind Ramón Vinay. Theo Adam sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and Hubert Hoffmann sings the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Wanderer; an interesting pairing since the two have rather similar voices. The rest of the cast features Fritz Uhl as Siegmund, Jutta Meyfarth as Sieglinde, Gottlob Frick as Hagen, Grace Hoffman as Fricka and Waltraute and Gerhard Stolze as Loge. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11038-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624732296,"sku":"11038-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099188548,"sku":"MP3 11038-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11038-13front.jpg?v=1751036262"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-valkki-varnay-adam-klobucar-excerpts","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Varnay, Välkki, Hopf, Adam, Uhl, Frick; Klobucar. Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA revival at Bayreuth is different than at other houses. The standard model is that when a house revives a production, they will often bring in an entirely new cast, conductor and an assistant will restage the original director's vision. At Bayreuth, however, the same conductor will return for each subsequent mounting, as well as the original stage director, often bringing new ideas, and for the most part the same cast will return to their respective roles. The result is that as productions come back, the overall concept gets tighter and more nuanced. (Think of how the Chéreau \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e was a panned in 1976 when it premiered and lauded by the time the videos were made in 1981.) This phenomenon is borne out in this performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, which marked the last summer of Wolfgang Wagner's 1960 production. The one very notable difference is that it was conducted by Berislav Klobucar as opposed to Rudolf Kempe, marking his only \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e at Bayreuth. Klobucar brings an earthier approach to the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e and if he is less refined than Rudolf Kempe, there is a guttural immediacy and dramatic impact that is lacking from Kempe's cycles. The cast is first rate. Anita Välkki sings the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde and Astrid Varnay sings the \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes. Välkki brings a youthful athleticism to the role whereas Varnay brings her 20 years of experience with the Ring as well as her voluptuous, gleaming high notes. As Siegfried, Hans Hopf's burnished tenor brings to mind Ramón Vinay. Theo Adam sings the \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Wotans and Hubert Hoffmann sings the Siegfried Wanderer; an interesting pairing since the two have rather similar voices. The rest of the cast features Fritz Uhl as Siegmund, Jutta Meyfarth as Sieglinde, Gottlob Frick as Hagen, Grace Hoffman as Fricka and Waltraute and Gerhard Stolze as Loge. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11039-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292624535688,"sku":"11039-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099186372,"sku":"MP3 11039-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11039-1front.jpg?v=1751036254"},{"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. 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However, due to his meticulous nature, finding the result that pleased him in the studio often meant take after take which inevitably came at the price of the artistic spontaneity for both the singers and occasionally Solti himself. This compilation of live recordings shows what a different creature Solti was when he was on the podium of an opera house and demonstrates the energy he could summon from the orchestra and the singers which he never quite surpassed in his studio recordings (as exciting as they were in their own right.) This compilation features arias and orchestral excerpts from \u003cem\u003eLe Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Die Entführung aus dem Serail, La Forza del Destino, Otello, Turandot, Billy Budd, Arabella, Rosenkavalier, Die Frau ohne Schatten, Der fliegende Holländer, Meistersinger, The Ring, Tristan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11190-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615491720,"sku":"11190-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098687684,"sku":"MP3 11190-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11190-2front_645eb104-e58d-4a4c-b25d-875dd06ebf70.jpg?v=1751036080"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hans-hopf-birgit-nilsson-hans-hotter-marga-hoffgen","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Nilsson, Hotter, Boese; Wallberg. 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His orchestra seems to have been whipped into shape (even the brass is more in tune than not) and the cast is a fine one. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s bully-boy Siegfried has an attractive baritonal quality to his voice and brings an exciting clarity towards his death scene. \u003cb\u003eArnold van Mill\u003c\/b\u003e’s Hagen is less subtle than most (he indulges in some maniacal laughter as Act II comes to a close) but it’s impeccably sung. \u003cb\u003eAngel Mattiello\u003c\/b\u003e’s Gunther is likewise notable, and \u003cb\u003eAlois Pernerstorffer\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/b\u003e return for strong cameo appearances as Alberich and Waltraute. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e returns as well, not only as an excellent Gutrune but also as the Third Norn, blending well with \u003cb\u003eTota de Igarzaba\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eNoemi Souza\u003c\/b\u003e in trio and blazing on her own in solo. 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He favors leisurely tempos (perhaps a practical consideration to accommodate the limitations of the band he had to deal with) and seems to understand when the orchestra should be in the foreground and when in the background. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11247-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610379912,"sku":"11247-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099179652,"sku":"MP3 11247-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11247-12front.jpg?v=1751036001"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-excerpts-nilsson-hopf-hotter-uhl-brouwenstijn-wallberg","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts) - Nilsson, Hopf, Hotter, Brouwenstijn, Uhl, Boese; Wallberg. 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Wotan finds \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e at the tail-end of his vocal prime, but with still enough vocal prowess to deliver a multi-faceted Wotan who is both imposing and sensitive. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s baritonal Siegfried fares better in the dramatic sections than the lyrical. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e’s radiant soprano is put to good use as Sieglinde, Gutrune and the Third Norn. \u003cb\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/b\u003e is a rather bland Siegmund but comes alive as Loge. \u003cb\u003eHeinz Wallberg\u003c\/b\u003e is certainly not a name that comes to mind when considering the great Wagnerian conductors, but his approach to \u003cem\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen\u003c\/em\u003e is both fresh and inventive. He favors leisurely tempos (perhaps a practical consideration to accommodate the limitations of the band he had to deal with) and seems to understand when the orchestra should be in the foreground and when in the background. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11248-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610019464,"sku":"11248-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099168708,"sku":"MP3 11248-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11248-2front.jpg?v=1751035987"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-hans-hopf-leif-roar-berit-lindholm-gunther-wich","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Hopf, Lindholm, Roar, Pampuch; Wich. 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Under the deft baton of \u003cb\u003eGünther Wich\u003c\/b\u003e, the reading is surprisingly sprightly, balancing clarity and momentum throughout Wagner’s sprawling score.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e may not bring youthful color to the title role, but his experience and vocal security—especially impressive given he was nearing 60 at the time—make for a reliable and committed Siegfried. \u003cb\u003eLeif Roar\u003c\/b\u003e brings refined lyricism to the Wanderer, offering a vocal elegance and a strikingly secure top range that is rarely heard in this role. \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e, in her brief but radiant appearance at the opera’s close, steals the show with gleaming high Cs and a beautifully shaped \u003ci\u003e“Ewig war ich”\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound is generally pretty good, though there are around eight brief drop-outs throughout the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11390-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292604711048,"sku":"11390-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244932,"sku":"MP3 11390-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11390-3front.jpg?v=1751035829"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-ahlersmeyer-marianne-schech-kurt-bohme-gottlob-frick-hans-hopf","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni (In German) - Ahlersmeyer, Schech, Böhme, Hopf, Frick, Teschenmacher; Elmendorff. 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In his later years, “subtle” was not an adjective often ascribed to Hopf, but heard here while still in his twenties, he reveals a lyricism and bloom that I had never associated with this singer. \u003cb\u003eMathieu Ahlersmeyer\u003c\/b\u003e’s Don Giovanni is surprisingly good, bringing all the appropriate suave elegance to the role. \u003cb\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/b\u003e is a spirited Leporello, and a young \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e shows a totally different side to his artistry than he would later when he dominated the role of Hagen in \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe only disappointment is the rather unappealing Zerlina of \u003cb\u003eElfried Weidlich\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eKarl Elmendorff\u003c\/b\u003e’s interpretation is unapologetically romantic yet never too ponderous (read: slow). 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