{"title":"KARAJAN, Herbert von","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"wagner-walkure-nilsson-rysanek-suthaus-ludwig","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Rysanek, Suthaus, Hotter, Frick, Madiera, Ludwig, Welitsch; Karajan. Wien, 1957","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\nBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSiegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Suthaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHunding – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Madeira\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHelmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eLjuba Welitsch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOrtlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJudith Hellwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSiegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMargareta Sjoestedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRossweisse – \u003cstrong\u003eRosette Anday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGrimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Ros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSchwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Rössl-Majdan\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\u003eWiener Staatsoper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 1, 1957\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10026-3\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":31292665102472,"sku":"10026-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_a3d554f3-e66e-4300-9d8b-91a8e14e4f20.png?v=1782509391"},{"product_id":"strauss-rosenkavalier-schwarzkopf-della-casa-jurinac","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Schwarzkopf, Jurinac, Della Casa, Edelmann, Kunz, Cuenod; Karajan.  Milan, 1952","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Strauss (1864–1949)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis 1952 live recording of \u003ci\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/i\u003e captures a pivotal moment in the career of \u003cb\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/b\u003e, singing the Marschallin for the very first time. It would become her signature role—a part she refined and revisited throughout her career—but there is something uniquely captivating about this early interpretation. Still in her thirties, Schwarzkopf sings with a freshness and vocal bloom that she would never quite recapture. Her Marschallin is already poised, elegant, and deeply expressive, hinting at the interpretive command that would later define her portrayal.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlongside her, \u003cb\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/b\u003e brings warmth and impetuous charm to Octavian. The chemistry she shares with both Schwarzkopf and \u003cb\u003eLisa Della Casa\u003c\/b\u003e, who sings a radiant and pure-toned Sophie, gives their scenes together an irresistible emotional clarity. It’s a fascinating cast in retrospect: both Jurinac and Della Casa would eventually take on the Marschallin themselves, adding a layer of historical resonance to this performance. Here, though, they embody their roles with youthful vitality, their voices blending seamlessly in Strauss's intricate ensembles.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe sound quality, while less than ideal by modern standards, does little to obscure the spirit of the performance. Beneath the surface noise lies a reading full of heart, insight, and character—an invaluable document of three great singers at defining points in their careers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarschallin – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOctavian – \u003cstrong\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSophie – \u003cstrong\u003eLisa Della Casa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBaron Ochs – \u003cstrong\u003eOtto Edelmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHerr von Faninal – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Kunz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn Italian Singer – \u003cstrong\u003eAntonio Pirino\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnnina – \u003cstrong\u003eElse Schürhoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValzacchi – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Majkut\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarschallin's Major-Domo – \u003cstrong\u003eHugues Cuénod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMilliner – \u003cstrong\u003eLuisa Villa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnimal Seller – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Nessi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNotary – \u003cstrong\u003eBruno Fichtinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFour lackeys – \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Della Pergola, Gino Del Signore, Attilio Barbesi, Paolo Pedani\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThree Orphans – \u003cstrong\u003eMaria Amadini, Ilva Ligabue, Pino Carrillo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarianne – \u003cstrong\u003eJarmila Barton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFaninal's Major-Domo – \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Della Pergola\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInnkeeper – \u003cstrong\u003eJoszi Trojan Regar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eTeatro alla Scala, Milano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 26, 1952\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10074-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292663398536,"sku":"10074-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099059268,"sku":"MP3 10074-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50350245740865,"sku":"FLAC 10074-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080010821953,"sku":"FLACUP 10074-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10074-3front.jpg?v=1751037245"},{"product_id":"verdi-don-carlo-freni-cossotto-carreras-cappuccilli-ghiaurov-karajan","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo - Freni, Cossotto, Carreras, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, Van Dam, Tomowa-Sintow, Gruberova; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1976","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eHerbert von Karajan had the clout to assemble casts of unparalleled prestige, and this performance of Don Carlo is a striking example. With José Carreras, Mirella Freni, Fiorenza Cossotto, Piero Cappuccilli, and Nicolai Ghiaurov in the principal roles, the level of vocal talent is staggering—and even the supporting cast boasts Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Edita Gruberova, and José van Dam. Karajan’s broad tempi never lapse into sluggishness, instead revealing the musical and dramatic architecture of the score with clarity and grace. Carreras delivers a committed and lyrical Don Carlo, even if the role slightly exceeds his natural vocal weight.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreni is a radiant Elisabetta, her pure tone and understated intensity a perfect match for the role’s pathos. Cossotto, meanwhile, proves once again that she was born to sing Eboli. The sound quality is outstanding.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Elisabetta di Valois – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e La principessa Eboli – \u003cstrong\u003eFiorenza Cossotto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Don Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Rodrigo – \u003cstrong\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Filippo II – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Ghiaurov\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Il Grande Inquisitore – \u003cstrong\u003eJules Bastin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Un Frate – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Il conte di Lerma – \u003cstrong\u003eGiorgio Stendoro\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Un Araldo – \u003cstrong\u003eKlaus Jürgen Küper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tebaldo – \u003cstrong\u003eEdita Gruberova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Un voce dal cielo – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 26, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10205-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292659695752,"sku":"10205-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099093700,"sku":"MP3 10205-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50348018598209,"sku":"FLAC 10205-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011182401,"sku":"FLACUP 10205-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10205-3front.jpg?v=1751037155"},{"product_id":"strauss-die-frau-ohne-schatten-janowitz-kuchta-thomas-karajan","title":"Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - Janowitz, Thomas, Kuchta, Wiener, Hoffman, Kreppel, Popp, Wunderlich; Karajan.  Wien, 1964","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Strauss (1864–1949)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003ci\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/i\u003e represents several noteworthy milestones. Mounted by the Vienna State Opera to mark the centenary of \u003cb\u003eRichard Strauss\u003c\/b\u003e’s birth. It also marked the only occasion that \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e would take on the role of the Kaiserin, a decision she would later reverse mid-run, deciding the part did not suit her. Given the dramatic heft the role requires, that choice seems sensible, yet Janowitz still offers moments of radiance. Her luminous soprano finds its most natural fit in the Kaiserin’s awakening scene, which she delivers with a haunting, otherworldly stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs ever, \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e brings an innate grasp of Strauss’ intricately layered score. Rather than allowing the opera’s sprawling textures to weigh down the drama, Karajan finds lucidity and momentum, allowing the work’s emotional sweep to emerge with vitality and lift. \u003cb\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/b\u003e, taking on the towering role of the Dyer’s Wife, meets its challenges with gleaming authority, while \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e balances heroic presence and lyrical elegance in his portrayal of the Emperor. Under Karajan’s direction, the entire evening becomes more than just a milestone—it becomes a musical statement.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eKaiser – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKaiserin – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmme – \u003cstrong\u003eGrace Hoffman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBarak – \u003cstrong\u003eOtto Wiener\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFärberin – \u003cstrong\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeisterbote – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Kreppel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErscheinung eines Jünglings – \u003cstrong\u003eErmanno Lorenzi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStimme des Falken – \u003cstrong\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStimme von Oben – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarita Lilowa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEinäugige – \u003cstrong\u003eSiegfried Rudolf Frese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEinarmige – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Welter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBucklige – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Majkut\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Hüter der Schwelle des Tempels – \u003cstrong\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 17, 1964\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10213-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292659204232,"sku":"10213-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099043524,"sku":"MP3 10213-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50350004633921,"sku":"FLAC 10213-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011247937,"sku":"FLACUP 10213-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10213-3front.jpg?v=1751037149"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-kniplova-janowitz-berry-ludwig-talvela-karajan","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Kniplova, Berry, Janowitz, Parly, Ludwig, Talvela; Karajan. Salzburg, 1967","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813 - 1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis performance is particularly notable for featuring \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e in a rare turn as Wotan. Whether he accepted the role out of deference to \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e or genuine artistic curiosity, the result is compelling. His Wotan has a youthful vitality and vocal freshness that make one regret he did not return to the part more often. \u003cstrong\u003eNadézda Kniplova\u003c\/strong\u003e may project a slightly matronly presence as Brünnhilde, but her voice withstands the punishing demands of Wagner’s writing, especially with Karajan driving the orchestra to its limits. \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e walks a fine line as Sieglinde—pushed close to the edge of her vocal resources, but never overstepping. \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e, cast as Fricka, plays the onstage wife of her real-life husband, and with her commanding mezzo, it’s no surprise she wins the argument.\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      Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eTicho Parly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eNedézda Kniplová\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlotta Ordassy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Steger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eLilo Brockhaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eCvetka Ahlin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Jenckel\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\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 27, 1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10393-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292649144456,"sku":"10393-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099204612,"sku":"MP3 10393-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50348083282241,"sku":"FLAC 10393-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080012198209,"sku":"FLACUP 10393-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10393-3front.jpg?v=1751036977"},{"product_id":"puccini-la-boheme-freni-raimondi-guden-taddei-panerai-karajan","title":"Puccini: La Bohème - Freni, Raimondi, Panerai, Taddei, Güden; Karajan.  Wien, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiacomo Puccini (1858–1924)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis historic 1963 \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/span\u003e from Vienna marked a significant milestone in the careers of \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e and designer \u003cstrong\u003eFranco Zeffirelli\u003c\/strong\u003e. The German television company Unitel would later produce a film version with some cast changes, but it is unfortunate that this original ensemble was not preserved on screen, as the chemistry - and vocalism - of the cast is as good as it gets.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e brings an opulent and earthy charm to Musetta, while \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e, in luxury casting as Schaunard, delivers a portrayal that may well be the finest any of us will ever hear.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFreni, still in her twenties, radiates innocence in her opening scenes, later revealing a hidden sensuality in \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Sì, mi chiamano Mimì.\"\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGianni Raimondi\u003c\/strong\u003e is an impassioned Rodolfo, bringing both ardor and lyrical elegance to the role. \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan’s\u003c\/strong\u003e approach to Puccini is, at times, unorthodox—ignoring some of the composer's meticulous directions and occasionally attempting to reinvent the wheel. However, his deep understanding of the score’s musical and dramatic richness is undeniable. He imbues the performance with a restrained pathos that ensures \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/span\u003e remains as deeply moving as ever, even for the most cynical listener.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMimì – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRodolfo – \u003cstrong\u003eGianni Raimondi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMusetta – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarcello – \u003cstrong\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchaunard – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColline – \u003cstrong\u003eIvo Vinco\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBenoit – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Klein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlcindoro – \u003cstrong\u003eSiegfried Rudolf Frese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParpignol – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Equiluz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSergente dei doganieri – \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Zimmer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn doganiere – \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert Zack\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10572-2\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 \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMirella Freni sings scenes from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eManon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292642853000,"sku":"10572-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098758084,"sku":"MP3 10572-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080016163137,"sku":"FLAC 10572-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080016195905,"sku":"FLACUP 10572-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10572-2front.jpg?v=1751036796"},{"product_id":"puccini-la-boheme-freni-carreras-panerai-karajan","title":"Puccini: La Bohème - Freni, Carreras, Panerai, Holm, Washington; Karajan.  Wien, 1977","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiacomo Puccini (1858–1924)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/span\u003e is particularly special as it reunites much of the team from the legendary 1963 Vienna State Opera production, including \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e. The relative newcomer here is \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/strong\u003e as Rodolfo. Few tenors have ever sung with the exquisite beauty and passion that Carreras brought to his roles in his younger years.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e's voice remains remarkably fresh, with the addition of some darker, richer shades not present in her earlier performances. Credit must also go to \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e, who throughout his career never lost sight of the magic of this opera, returning to it frequently to highlight its enduring brilliance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eRodolfo – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMimì – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarcello – \u003cstrong\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMusetta – \u003cstrong\u003eRenate Holm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColline – \u003cstrong\u003ePaolo Washington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchaunard – \u003cstrong\u003eGianni Maffeo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBenoit – \u003cstrong\u003eClaudio Giombi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlcindoro – \u003cstrong\u003eFranco Calabrese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMay 16, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10703-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637118600,"sku":"10703-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098757828,"sku":"MP3 10703-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080024191297,"sku":"FLAC 10703-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080024224065,"sku":"FLACUP 10703-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10703-2front_f018364d-e37e-4f20-82f5-aa53f424448f.jpg?v=1751036622"},{"product_id":"verdi-aida-leontyne-price-labo-simionato-bastianini-karajan","title":"Verdi: Aida - L. Price, Simionato, Labò, Bastianini, Weber; von Karajan.  Wien, 1964","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eAida\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis recording almost didn’t make the list due to its sound quality. However, the cast is truly the stuff of dreams, and there are moments when the brilliance of Price or Simionato cuts through the flaws, making it a worthwhile listen. That said, this one is really for the die-hard collectors (you know who you are).\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/b\u003e’s \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eAida\u003c\/span\u003e needs no introduction—her brilliance in the role is legendary. \u003cb\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/b\u003e, though nearing the end of her career, proves her voice was still in fine form, delivering a performance as Amneris that is both fearsome and vulnerable. \u003cb\u003eEttore Bastianini\u003c\/b\u003e is in top form, adding further depth to the ensemble.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e’s pacing and his keen sense of melodic line are exemplary, adding to the recording’s appeal (despite its technical limitations.)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAida – \u003cstrong\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRadamès – \u003cstrong\u003eFlaviano Labò\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmneris – \u003cstrong\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmonasro – \u003cstrong\u003eEttore Bastianini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRamphis – \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIl Re di Egitto – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Weber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUna Sacerdotessa – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Messaggero – \u003cstrong\u003eErmanno Lorenzi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 14, 1964\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10729-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292636299400,"sku":"10729-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099080068,"sku":"MP3 10729-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080027664705,"sku":"FLAC 10729-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080027697473,"sku":"FLACUP 10729-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10729-2front.jpg?v=1751036588"},{"product_id":"strauss-salome-behrens-baltsa-bohm-van-dam-ochman-karajan","title":"Strauss: Salome - Behrens, Van Dam, Böhm, Baltsa, Ochman; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1977","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSalome\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Strauss (1864–1949)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSalome\u003c\/span\u003e marked the breakout run for \u003cb\u003eHildegard Behrens\u003c\/b\u003e who would go on to become one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of her time. The production was recorded and commercially released. This recording was the broadcast of one of the performances and is a much better representation of Behrens' artistry than the rather stale accounting from the studio. In short, Behrens is near perfection as Salome. There was a pure girlish quality to her voice which seems almost entirely incongruous with the music of \u003cb\u003eRichard Strauss\u003c\/b\u003e, but, when coupled with her powerful top, creates the perfect storm for a definitive Salome. She is joined by a remarkable supporting cast including \u003cb\u003eAgnes Baltsa\u003c\/b\u003e as Herodias and \u003cb\u003eJosé Van Dam\u003c\/b\u003e as Jochanaan. Baltsa seems a little out of sorts in this role. Her voice was still too legit for these kinds of roles and she lacks the \"campy\" quality that makes a great Herodias (perhaps Karajan wanted to convey a more youthful Herodias.) Van Dam may not be booming in this role, but he still delivers it with plenty of fire and brimstone and his attractive voice makes it seem all the more clear why Salome would become so infatuated with him. \u003cb\u003eWalter Böhm\u003c\/b\u003e is serviceable as Herod but not at the level of his colleagues. It is also worth noting that there are some fantastic singers in the supporting roles including \u003cb\u003eWieslaw Ochman\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eKurt Rydl\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMichel Sénéchal\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eErich Kunz\u003c\/b\u003e. Karajan delivers all of the technicolor glamor of this score in the manner that only he was capable of.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eSalome – \u003cstrong\u003eHildegard Behrens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJochanaan – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHerodes – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHerodias – \u003cstrong\u003eAgnes Baltsa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNarraboth – \u003cstrong\u003eWieslaw Ochman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Page – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Angervo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErster Nazarener – \u003cstrong\u003eJules Bastin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweiter Nazarener – \u003cstrong\u003eDieter Ellenbeck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErster Soldat – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweiter Soldat – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Rydl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Cappadocier – \u003cstrong\u003eHelge von Bömches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Sklave – \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Nitsche\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErster Jude – \u003cstrong\u003eMichel Sénéchal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweiter Jude – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Knutson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDritter Jude – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Vantin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVierter Jude – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFünfter Jude – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Kunz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10872-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629811336,"sku":"10872-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099060100,"sku":"MP3 10872-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080037724481,"sku":"FLAC 10872-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080037757249,"sku":"FLACUP 10872-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10872-2front.jpg?v=1751036403"},{"product_id":"verdi-don-carlo-freni-carreras-ludwig-ghiaurov-cappuccilli-karajan","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo - Freni, Domingo, Ludwig, Ghiaurov, Cappuccilli, Van Dam; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1975","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eEven though \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e's power may have become a little overreaching in his later years, one of the benefits was his ability to assemble glittering casts. For example, this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/span\u003e features not only \u003cb\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ePlacido Domingo\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eNicolai Ghiaurov\u003c\/b\u003e in the main roles but also \u003cb\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/b\u003e in the roles of the Frate and Voce dal cielo respectively. The decadence in the casting pays off with a performance heavily laden with talent and artistry. Mirella Freni as Elisabetta may have lacked the spinto quality of Tebaldi or Stella but she makes up for it with a purity of tone that few true spinto sopranos could achieve. Placido Domingo rises to the formidable challenges of the title role, highlighting the hopeless anguish of Carlo much like he did for Otello. By the mid-70s Christa Ludwig's top lacked the ease of earlier years, but she is well supported by Karajan who helps her through some of the more formidable parts with remarkable sensitivity to her needs and ultimately delivers. Piero Cappuccilli sounds like a god as Posa. Nicolai Ghiaurov's voice was just starting to lose some of the focus that it had in the 60s but he is still commanding as Filippo. A special shout-out must go to the superb musicians of the Vienna Philharmonic.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eFilippo II – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Ghiaurov\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003ePlacido Domingo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRodrigo – \u003cstrong\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIl Grand Inquisitor – \u003cstrong\u003eGheorge Crasnaru\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Frate – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElisabetta di Valois – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLa Principessa Eboli – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTebaldo – \u003cstrong\u003eGabriele Fuchs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIl Conte di Lerma – \u003cstrong\u003eGiorgio Stendoro\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Araldo – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Kerns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVoce dal cielo – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 11, 1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10901-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628402312,"sku":"10901-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099093572,"sku":"MP3 10901-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080039657793,"sku":"FLAC 10901-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080039690561,"sku":"FLACUP 10901-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10901-3front.jpg?v=1751036372"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-dernesch-thomas-ridderbusch-stewart-janowitz-karajan","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Dernesch, Thomas, Ridderbusch, Stewart, Janowitz, Ludwig, Ligendza, Moser; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is one thing for certain: you will never see a cast of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e as glittering as this one ever again. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e, not accustomed to being turned down, managed to get people like \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/b\u003e to sing Gutrune, the First Norn, Wellgunde and Third Norn respectively. Whether or not this glut of talent in the smaller roles may have revealed some of the shortcomings of the leads is a different story. Because Karajan's \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\u003e was meant as a clear answer to Solti's, comparisons between \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e are inevitable. Does Dernesch reach Nilsson's brilliance? No. But that is not to say that she doesn't bring a lot to the table. The warmth of Dernesch's voice remains consistent throughout the entire evening even during the most dramatic singing and if at times her voice can seem a little monochromatic, her default vocal color has enough interest to sustain one through the many hours of Wagner. By the 1970s the youthful sheen of \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e' voice was beginning to fade. Although he is remarkably sturdy, the frayed edges of his heldentenor are all too apparent. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e is a stand-out as Hagen. Ridderbusch is no stranger to lovers of the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\u003e, having made this role a staple of his long career, however, Karajan compels him to give some very delicate (not a word often associated with Hagen) singing particularly in his scene with Alberich which left me fantasizing about what his \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eWinterreise\u003c\/span\u003e might have been like. \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e is glorious as Gunther. The real star of the evening is the maestro and whether or not you have issues with Karajan's unconventional casting, the musicality that he evokes from the orchestra is a true revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hagen – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Floßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Reynolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e First Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Second Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Third Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 21, 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11009-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625977480,"sku":"11009-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099214020,"sku":"MP3 11009-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080043917633,"sku":"FLAC 11009-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080043950401,"sku":"FLACUP 11009-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11009-4front.jpg?v=1751036298"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-thomas-dernesch-stolze-stewart-grist-ridderbusch-karajan","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Thomas, Dernesch, Stolze, Stewart, Ridderbusch, Grist; Karajan. Salzburg, 1969","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e is almost identical to the studio release that came out around the same time. Although there is some remarkable singing, the star of the evening is \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e. Karajan's ability to create mood and atmosphere while still maintaining a sense of line and lyricism made him ideal for Wagner. His orchestra, although rich with minute detail and shading, never eclipses the singer, instead providing them with a cushion of support throughout the evening. \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e is just a little past his prime to be an effective Siegfried. Although he manages all of the notes and his stamina doesn't flag throughout the evening, the lyrical bloom of his early years has all but completely faded resulting in a Siegfried that sounds more middle-aged than teen-aged. \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e almost has the reverse problem as the Wanderer as his ringing baritone lacks a little of the world-weary gravitas of other notable Wanderers. However, it is very easy to forgive him, as he delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have ever come across. \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a Mime that is almost infinitely nuanced and at times manages to garner more sympathy than Siegfried. The one interesting variation from the DG set is that the Waldvogel is sung by \u003cb\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kelemen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11013-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625813640,"sku":"11013-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251140,"sku":"MP3 11013-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080044179777,"sku":"FLAC 11013-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080044212545,"sku":"FLACUP 11013-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11013-3front.jpg?v=1751036294"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-herbert-von-karajan-dietrich-fischer-dieskau-veasey-stolze-ridderbusch","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Fischer-Dieskau, Veasey, Stolze, Talvela, Ridderbusch, Dominguez; Karajan. Salzburg, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnyone who treasures the Karajan \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e will appreciate this live performance featuring practically everyone in the cast. It is interesting because minus the wizardry of the recording engineers, it provides a more honest accounting of how the artists would fare without the comfort of a close microphone. Surprisingly, they all do remarkably well in particular the Wotan of \u003cb\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/b\u003e. Fischer-Dieskau brings all of his interpretive prowess to the role, and is remarkably credible when pitted against the formidable forces of Wagner's orchestra. \u003cb\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/b\u003e brings her youthful, shimmering tone to the role of Fricka giving the goddess a well-needed touch of glamor. \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e's Loge may lack the vocal beauty of someone like \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, but he more than makes up for it with the infinite shading with which he imbues each word, giving the demigod a mercurial sprightliness. Other standouts include \u003cb\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/b\u003e who brings the heart of a poet to Fasolt contrasted by the gruff Fafner of \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/b\u003e is arresting in her brief turn as Erda. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e finds details in the score that I had never heard before.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Loge – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freia – \u003cstrong\u003eSimone Mangelsdorff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Donner – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Kerns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Froh – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald Grobe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltan Kéléman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLisolette Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Reynolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 7, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11018-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625649800,"sku":"11018-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099159172,"sku":"MP3 11018-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080044507457,"sku":"FLAC 11018-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080044540225,"sku":"FLACUP 11018-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11018-2front.jpg?v=1751036288"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-herbert-von-karajan-stewart-regine-crespin-vickers-janowitz-ludwig-talvela","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Crespin, Stewart, Janowitz, Vickers, Talvela, Ludwig; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1967","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eCasting-wise, this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e is probably one of the most youthful you are likely to hear. \u003cb\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/b\u003e, in the title role, is superb. It is a shame that she never delved deeper into the Wagnerian soprano roles (a decision she later regretted) as she has the vocal goods to compete with the orchestration as well as the artistry to paint some of the many intimate scenes with Wotan with the delicacy of an accomplished recitalist. In the role of Wotan, \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e's suave baritone brings all of the bluster without any of the bark. Although there is certainly a long list of excellent recorded Wotans to choose from, his may be one of the most beautifully sung. \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e is the only singer in the cast who seems to be pushed just to the maximum of her vocal capabilities. Although she lacks the soaring power of \u003cb\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e, her lyric soprano brings a vulnerability to Sieglinde's music which adds an interesting new color to the role. \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e, no stranger to the role of Siegmund, tones down his usual histrionics (no doubt at the insistence of the maestro) and delivers a lyrical and sensitive Siegmund. \u003cb\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/b\u003e's vocal beauty, coupled with the righteous indignance of a spurned wife, makes her brief cameo as Fricka quite memorable. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e achieves a transparency in the score that I have never heard before particularly in the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTodesverkündigung\u003c\/span\u003e scene.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eLisolette Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlotta Ordassy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Steger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eLilo Brockhaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eCvetka Ahlin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Jenckel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 19, 1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11019-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625617032,"sku":"11019-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099202436,"sku":"MP3 11019-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080044572993,"sku":"FLAC 11019-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080044605761,"sku":"FLACUP 11019-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11019-4front.jpg?v=1751036286"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-crespin-stewart-dernesch-fischer-dieskau-janowitz-vickers-karajan-salzburg-1967-1970","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Crespin, Stewart, Dernesch, Fischer-Dieskau, Janowitz, Vickers; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1967-1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnyone who treasures the Karajan \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e will appreciate this live performance featuring practically everyone in the cast. It is interesting because minus the wizardry of the recording engineers, it provides a more honest accounting of how the artists would fare without the comfort of a close microphone. Surprisingly, they all do remarkably well in particular the Wotan of \u003cb\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/b\u003e. Fischer-Dieskau brings all of his interpretive prowess to the role, and is remarkably credible when pitted against the formidable forces of Wagner's orchestra. \u003cb\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/b\u003e brings her youthful, shimmering tone to the role of Fricka giving the goddess a well-needed touch of glamor. \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e's Loge may lack the vocal beauty of someone like \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, but he more than makes up for it with the infinite shading with which he imbues each word, giving the demigod a mercurial sprightliness. Other standouts include \u003cb\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/b\u003e who brings the heart of a poet to Fasolt contrasted by the gruff Fafner of \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/b\u003e is arresting in her brief turn as Erda. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e finds details in the score that I had never heard before.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Loge – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freia – \u003cstrong\u003eSimone Mangelsdorff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Donner – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Kerns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Froh – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald Grobe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Reynolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlotta Ordassy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Steger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eLilo Brockhaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eCvetka Ahlin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Jenckel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hagen – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Reynolds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e First Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Second Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Third Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 7, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 19, 1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 21, 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11020-13\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e13\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625584264,"sku":"11020-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099168580,"sku":"MP3 11020-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080044638529,"sku":"FLAC 11020-13","price":68.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080044671297,"sku":"FLACUP 11020-13","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11020-13front.jpg?v=1751036285"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-nibelungen-excerpts-fischer-dieskau-dernesch-thomas-janowitz-vickers-stewart-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Crespin, Stewart, Dernesch, Fischer-Dieskau; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1967-1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDer Ring des Nibelungen — Excerpts\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e is an excellent addition for anyone who treasures \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e's studio recording made in the late 60s. Without the aid of the microphones and recording engineers, the singers, many of whom were singing their roles for the first and only time, are put to the true test of whether or not they could stand up to the enormous demands of Wagner's music. Surprisingly, for the most part they all match the quality of performances that they created in the comfort of the studio while also bringing an added level of excitement and energy that cannot be replicated anywhere but in front of a live audience. They are all supported by the sensitive and sympathetic conducting of Herbert von Karajan who never compromises on insisting upon the same level of transparency that he achieves in the studio recording. Special accolades go to the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRheingold\u003c\/span\u003e Wotan of \u003cb\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/b\u003e. Fischer-Dieskau's baritone was far from dramatic in nature, but he is actually quite credible as the head god. \u003cb\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/b\u003e brings lush tone and the sensitivity of an art song specialist to the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eWalküre\u003c\/span\u003e Brünnhilde. \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e employs her powerful yet youthful soprano to the subsequent Brünnhildes. \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e' Siegfried is the one disappointment in the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eCycle.\u003c\/span\u003e Although there are traces of the lyricism that made him such an effective Parsifal, the wear and tear sustained from a decade of Wagner singing makes for a Siegfried that seems more middle-aged than youthful. I would run out of space if I went on at length on the merits of the rest of the cast so I will just let the glittering assortment speak for itself: \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eOralia Dominguez\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eEdda Moser\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/b\u003e, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e in Stereo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre, Siegfried\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e in Mono\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1967–1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11021-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625387656,"sku":"11021-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242948,"sku":"MP3 11021-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080045031745,"sku":"FLAC 11021-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080045064513,"sku":"FLACUP 11021-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11021-2front.jpg?v=1751036276"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-ridderbusch-janowitz-kollo-schreier-meyer-karajan","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Ridderbusch, Kollo, Janowitz, Schreier, Lagger, Leib, Meyer; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1974","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eA performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/span\u003e is always an event, even if it is a revival. When you add \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e to the mix you know that you are in for a real spectacle, both aurally and visually. Karajan doesn’t disappoint in conveying the opulence and pomp of Wagner’s only comedy, but where he is at his best is during the intimate moments particularly the prelude to Act III. Karajan is able to evoke all of Hans Sachs’ wistfulness from the cello section of the Berlin Philharmonic who sing their line with no less intensity than the great singers on the stage. This is just one of the many memorable moments of this performance. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e gets a chance to show his softer side as Hans Sachs and reveals a musical sensitivity that I didn’t know he had in him. \u003cb\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/b\u003e is an ideal Walther von Stolzing combining the impetuous rashness as well as the poetic lyricism of the character. \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e brings a pure tone to the role of Eva but tends to tire vocally during some of the higher lying passages. In typical fashion, Karajan recruits some excellent singers for the smaller parts including \u003cb\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/b\u003e as Magdalene, \u003cb\u003ePeter Lagger\u003c\/b\u003e as Pogner, \u003cb\u003eManfred Jung\u003c\/b\u003e as Eisslinger and in a bizarre turn he divides the two Night Watchman solos between two singers, the latter taken by none other than \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e. The performance is captured in superb stereo sound.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Hans Sachs – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Veit Pogner – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Lagger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sixtus Beckmesser – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Leib\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Kunz Vogelgesang – \u003cstrong\u003eDieter Elmbeck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Konrad Nachtigall – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Egel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fritz Kothner – \u003cstrong\u003eJef Vermeersch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Baltazar Zorn – \u003cstrong\u003eWilli Caron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Augustin Moser – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Vantin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ulrich Eisslinger – \u003cstrong\u003eManfred Jung\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hermann Ortel – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Christian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hans Schwarz – \u003cstrong\u003eHannes Jockel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hans Foltz – \u003cstrong\u003eAlois Pernsdorfer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Walther von Stolzing – \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e David – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Eva – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Magdalene – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Nachtwächter – \u003cstrong\u003eNikolaus Hillebrand\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 7, 1974\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11096-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292622143624,"sku":"11096-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099196996,"sku":"MP3 11096-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080051749185,"sku":"FLAC 11096-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080051781953,"sku":"FLACUP 11096-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11096-4front.jpg?v=1751036195"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen-rossl-majden-neidlinger-hotter-karajan-milano-1959","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Rössl-Majden, Neidlinger, Hotter; Karajan. Milano, 1959","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e captures \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e just before she had asserted her world-wide domination of \u003cb\u003eRichard Wagner\u003c\/b\u003e. There have been many sopranos who may have had voices as large, but what separated Nilsson from the rest was the effortless quality she brought to some of the most formidable vocal demands as well as her ability to convey the many delicate moments which often get lost. \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e lends his virile tenor to the role of Tristan. Although it is a matter of debate whether or not Windgassen was a true Heldentenor, what cannot be disputed is the intelligence he brings to this part, deftly pacing his way through the piece without ever sounding “careful.” \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e assumes the role of Marke after having sung Kurwenal with Karajan at Bayreuth seven years prior. The orchestra, under the masterful baton of \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e, delivers some of the most memorable playing (the odd missed note notwithstanding) I have ever heard. If technically the La Scala orchestra is not at the same level of some of the other orchestras of the world, they make up for it with some supremely romantic playing particularly from the strings who are unabashed in their usage of portamentos. Also, the crescendos that Karajan is able to extract from the ensemble go beyond simply going from loud to louder; they seem to come from the innermost depths of the players’ souls and make for some very powerful moments.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Tristan – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Isolde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Rössl-Majden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e König Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Kurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Melot – \u003cstrong\u003eClaude Heater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hirt – \u003cstrong\u003eMurray Dickie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Steuerman – \u003cstrong\u003eConstantino Ego\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stimme eines jungen Seemanns – \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMilano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 28, 1959\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11108-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292621783176,"sku":"11108-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263044,"sku":"MP3 11108-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080052142401,"sku":"FLAC 11108-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080052175169,"sku":"FLACUP 11108-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11108-3front_08871c00-d528-4ed9-b430-fc471da5f05f.jpg?v=1751036185"},{"product_id":"bizet-carmen-regina-resnik-uzunov-hilde-guden-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Bizet: Carmen - Resnik, Uzunov, Güden, Protti; Karajan. 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Leading the cast is \u003cb\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/b\u003e, predictably thrilling in the final duet and surprisingly idiomatic and seductive in the role's more beguiling passages. \"Idiomatic and seductive\" can't really describe her Don José, Bulgarian tenor \u003cb\u003eDimiter Uzunov\u003c\/b\u003e, but he wields a powerful instrument and uses it for more than just blasting notes out. \u003cb\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/b\u003e is the plaintive, beautifully sung Micaëla and \u003cb\u003eAldo Protti\u003c\/b\u003e an impressive-sounding but rather out-of-place Escamillo. The chorus, singing in German, does impressive work, and the Zuniga of \u003cb\u003eLudwig Welter\u003c\/b\u003e is also worthy of note.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eCarmen – \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon José – \u003cstrong\u003eDimiter Uzunov\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEscamillo – \u003cstrong\u003eAldo Protti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMicaëla – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMercédès – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Rössl-Majdan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrasquita – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Maikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZuniga – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Welter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRemendado – \u003cstrong\u003eMurray Dickie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDancaïro – \u003cstrong\u003eHarald Pröglhöf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 10, 1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11103-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292621095048,"sku":"11103-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098612612,"sku":"MP3 11103-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080053059905,"sku":"FLAC 11103-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080053092673,"sku":"FLACUP 11103-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11103-2front.jpg?v=1751036172"},{"product_id":"verdi-il-trovatore-leontyne-price-pavarotti-christa-ludwig-piero-cappuccilli-karajan","title":"Verdi: Il Trovatore - Price, Pavarotti, Ludwig, Cappuccilli, Van Dam; Karajan. Wien 1977","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eIl Trovatore\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eI think it was Caruso who joked that to put on \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eIl Trovatore\u003c\/span\u003e, all you need are the four greatest singers in the world. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e came damn close in this glorious 1977 performance. \u003cb\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/b\u003e would not necessarily be a natural fit for Azucena, but she has more than enough thunder at her disposal and she is predictably gripping as the haunted gypsy. \u003cb\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/b\u003e, master of the firm legato line, is an exciting Conte di Luna, and \u003cb\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/b\u003e turns in an exceptional Ferrando in an example of luxury casting (while we're on the subject, also note the presence of the great \u003cb\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/b\u003e, on hand for Ruiz's few utterances). \u003cb\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/b\u003e, caught in his prime, is a gorgeously sung Manrico, who manages not only a thrilling \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e”Di Quella Pira”\u003c\/span\u003e but also a melting \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e“Ah sì, ben mio”\u003c\/span\u003e. About his Leonora, the great \u003cb\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/b\u003e, little need be said. Everything you would imagine this performance to be, it is., if a little distant, and Karajan raises fire from the orchestra. Not to be missed.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIl Conte di Luna – \u003cstrong\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFerrando – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeonora – \u003cstrong\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eManrico – \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAzucena – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRuiz – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInès – \u003cstrong\u003eMaria Venutì\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn vecchio zingaro – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Casalvsky\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Messo – \u003cstrong\u003eEwald Aichberger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMay, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11125-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620537992,"sku":"11125-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099107012,"sku":"MP3 11125-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080053879105,"sku":"FLAC 11125-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080053911873,"sku":"FLACUP 11125-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11125-2front_bf907e7c-b994-4f2b-936a-d9f694c55a91.jpg?v=1751036160"},{"product_id":"wagner-lohengrin-tomowa-sintow-rene-kollo-schroder-feinen-nimsgern-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Lohengrin - Kollo, Tomowa-Sintow, Schröder-Feinen, Nimsgern, Ridderbusch; Karajan. Salzburg, 1976","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLohengrin\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eI can't think of a conductor better suited to tackling \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLohengrin\u003c\/span\u003e than \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e. In the wrong hands this opera can seem like a standard issue grand opera with arias, choruses and ensembles. Karajan manages to extract exquisite lyricism and delicate colors from chorus, orchestra and soloists, demonstrating that even though the conventions of this opera may owe a lot to Meyerbeer, it was clearly a pivot towards Wagner's mature style. As usual, Karajan spares no expense in casting the opera with some of the finest singers of the day. \u003cb\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/b\u003e brings a nice vocal blend of the dramatic and lyrical in the title role. \u003cb\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/b\u003e is radiant as Elsa, whether floating pianissimo high notes in her opening aria or standing up to the formidable Ortrud of \u003cb\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/b\u003e in their Act II confrontation.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Lohengrin – \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Elsa – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortrud – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Telramund – \u003cstrong\u003eSiegmund Nimsgern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e König Heinrich – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Der Heerrufer des Königs – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Kerns\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Vier Edler – \u003cstrong\u003eToni Krämer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEwald Eichberger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHans Christian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNicos Kapetas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 10, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11218-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292614508680,"sku":"11218-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099227332,"sku":"MP3 11218-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080059711809,"sku":"FLAC 11218-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080059744577,"sku":"FLACUP 11218-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11218-3front.jpg?v=1751036046"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-bernd-aldenhoff-astrid-varnay-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Aldenhoff, Björling, Varnay; Karajan. Bayreuth, 1951","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e's approach to Wagner has always been controversial, but this early performance finds him in vigorous shape. His approach is not as probing or detailed as it would become later in his career, but it also is mostly free of bombast and self-indulgence. His cast is led by \u003cb\u003eBernd Aldenhoff\u003c\/b\u003e, a stalwart, not particularly introspective Siegfried, who delivers powerfully throughout, though he occasionally takes wild swings at pitch. \u003cb\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/b\u003e sounds truly as old and powerful as the mountains as a beaten-down Wotan, and \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e arises to greet the sun in fine voice. I appreciate \u003cb\u003ePaul Kuen\u003c\/b\u003e's attempts to actually sing, rather than cackle, the role of Mime, but do not find myself churlish to wonder how much better his performance would be if he were not constantly sharp.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Aldenhoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinrich Pflanzl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Kuen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eFriedrich Dalberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Siewert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eWilma Lipp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 13, 1951\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11230-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292611461256,"sku":"11230-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099243716,"sku":"MP3 11230-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080060727617,"sku":"FLAC 11230-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080060760385,"sku":"FLACUP 11230-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11230-3front.jpg?v=1751036024"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-jon-vickers-dernesch-christa-ludwig-berry-ridderbusch-karajan","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Dernesch, Vickers, Ludwig, Berry, Ridderbusch; Karajan. Salzburg, 1972","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMade with the same cast with whom \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e recorded the opera, this live \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e catches a less polished, but more heartfelt performance of the opera. \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e's performances as the servants would alone move this record to the top of my recommendations list, but there is so much more. \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e's Marke is a pillar of strength, and the smaller roles are handled expertly by the likes of \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e. The heroine of the opera, \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e, is perhaps more divisive. She may stray off-pitch a bit too often for an ideal Isolde, but the power of the Irish Princess is emphatic and always present. \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e, of course, is exemplary. If any other Tristan has produced a more harrowing third act, I would prefer not to know. \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e handles this opera like a painting, shaping the all-important atmosphere of the lovers' long night just as vividly as Van Gogh would a field of sunflowers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStimme eines Seemanns – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHirt – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 25, 1972\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11237-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eNOTE\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnfortunately there is a flaw in the audio as Melot's forces arrive in Act III.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610904200,"sku":"11237-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099258244,"sku":"MP3 11237-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080061251905,"sku":"FLAC 11237-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080061284673,"sku":"FLACUP 11237-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11237-3front.jpg?v=1751036015"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-crespin-janowitz-vickers-veasey-stewart-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Crespin, Stewart, Vickers, Janowitz, Veasey; Karajan. Salzburg, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eCollaborating with the same cast he used when he made his landmark studio recording a year earlier, \u003cb\u003eKarajan\u003c\/b\u003e is captured in exemplary form in this live performance from Salzburg in 1968. While the Ride of the Valkyries is unexpectedly turbulent, and Act I occasionally feels a bit slow, the evocative performances that \u003cb\u003eKarajan\u003c\/b\u003e draws from his principals and the Berliner Philharmoniker more than make up for any minor flaws along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn a live setting, \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e’ Seigmund is as close to perfection as the role gets. At the opera’s start, he portrays a near-feral and thoroughly beaten-down character, but as the love between him and Sieglinde (played by \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e, whose voice is lovely but a touch placid) blooms, \u003cb\u003eVickers\u003c\/b\u003e’s portrayal grows in intensity, delivering a performance of extraordinary emotional range.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/b\u003e’s Brünnhilde electrifies the atmosphere in this performance, and while the crowning glory of the production might have been the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTodesverkündigung\u003c\/span\u003e, it is \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e’s gut-wrenching performance of Wotan’s monologue that ultimately steals the show.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Rebmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Wrancher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Steger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eAlice Oelke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003ePhyllis Brill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbra Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie-Luise Gilles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eDagmar Naaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 10, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11238-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610871432,"sku":"11238-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099201732,"sku":"MP3 11238-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080061317441,"sku":"FLAC 11238-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080061350209,"sku":"FLACUP 11238-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11238-3front.jpg?v=1751036014"},{"product_id":"verdi-otello-jon-vickers-mirella-freni-peter-glossop-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Verdi: Otello - Vickers, Freni, Glossop; Karajan. Salzburg, 1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eOtello\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eOtello\u003c\/span\u003e served as a dry-run for Karajan's subsequent film and recording featuring mostly the same cast. Karajan would have been wiser, however, to simply move the mics into the opera house, as the energy from this live performance surpasses his later efforts. \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e is at his absolute peak. By the 70s, his voice was developing a more burnished quality which makes his Otello sound all the more tortured. You also get the sense that he was on his best behavior for Karajan, eliminating the mannerisms that often detracted from his artistry. \u003cb\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/b\u003e is radiant as Desdemona spinning silvery tones in the duet and standing up (vocally speaking) to the raging Vickers in Act III. \u003cb\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/b\u003e's Iago is a calculating, cold-blooded sociopath.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eOtello – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesdemona – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIago – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCassio – \u003cstrong\u003eRyland Davies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRodrigo – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Wegmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLodovico – \u003cstrong\u003eLuigi Roni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMontano – \u003cstrong\u003eSiegfried Rudolf Frese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmilia – \u003cstrong\u003eStefania Malagù\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Araldo – \u003cstrong\u003eVictor von Helm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11240-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610740360,"sku":"11240-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099137540,"sku":"MP3 11240-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080061415745,"sku":"FLAC 11240-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080061448513,"sku":"FLACUP 11240-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11240-2front.jpg?v=1751036011"},{"product_id":"wagner-immolation-scene-gotterdammerung-nilsson-jones-shuard-dernesch-lindholm-kuchta-silja","title":"Compilation: 15 Immolation Scenes - Varnay, Flagstad, Nilsson, Jones, Lindholm, Harshaw, Silja, Ligendza, Shuard and more!","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003e15 Versions of the Immolation Scene from Götterdämmerung\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe title speaks for itself. Fifteen different versions of the complete immolation scene from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e featuring \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMargaret Harshaw\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eNaděžda Kniplová\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e. Who will be your favorite?\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Harshaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNaděžda Kniplová\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11254-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo and Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610314376,"sku":"11254-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223428,"sku":"MP3 11254-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080062038337,"sku":"FLAC 11254-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080062071105,"sku":"FLACUP 11254-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11254-4front.jpg?v=1751035998"},{"product_id":"puccini-la-boheme-mirella-freni-luciano-pavarotti-panerai-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Puccini: La Bohème - Freni, Pavarotti, Panerai, Washington, Holm; Karajan. Salzburg, 1975","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiacomo Puccini (1858–1924)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLet's face it, it is easy to get \"Boheme fatigue\". It is such a cash cow for opera companies, and they know that they can throw it up with very little rehearsal and with up-and-coming (i.e. inexpensive) singers that it can be easy to forget how great it is. \u003cb\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/b\u003e are just the pair to remind one of what an effective piece this is in the right hands. Freni for me is near definitive as Mimì. Her Mimì is understated yet sensual, and she is able find the right balance in conveying the pathos of the story without letting the proceedings become overly maudlin. Pavarotti was always at his best when paired with his childhood friend. Her presence forced him to offer more than his legendary tenor and he does just that here investing body and soul into Rodolfo. \u003cb\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/b\u003e is a sturdy Marcello and \u003cb\u003eRenate Holm\u003c\/b\u003e's Musetta is pretty but lacks charisma. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e evokes cinematic colors from the orchestra but struggles with a chorus that doesn't seem to know how to follow a conductor. There is some hiss.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eRodolfo – \u003cstrong\u003eLuciano Pavarotti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMimì – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMusetta – \u003cstrong\u003eRenate Holm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarcello – \u003cstrong\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColline – \u003cstrong\u003ePaolo Washington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchaunard – \u003cstrong\u003eGianni Maffeo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBenoit – \u003cstrong\u003eClaudio Giombi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlcindoro – \u003cstrong\u003eFranco Calabrese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParpignol – \u003cstrong\u003eSaverio Porzano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 26, 1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11285-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292608938120,"sku":"11285-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098758276,"sku":"MP3 11285-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080064266561,"sku":"FLAC 11285-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080064299329,"sku":"FLACUP 11285-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11285-2front.jpeg?v=1751035949"},{"product_id":"verdi-la-traviata-mirella-freni-renato-cioni-mario-sereni-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Verdi: La Traviata - Freni, Cioni, Sereni, Zaccaria; Karajan. Milano, 1964","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLa Traviata\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e's Violetta suffered at La Scala from unfair comparisons to \u003cstrong\u003eMaria Callas\u003c\/strong\u003e which may have discouraged her from attempting the part in other theaters. It is a shame because even though hers may not have been a conventional Violetta, her take on the character is quite valid. Her Violetta is not as hardened and cynical as one has come to expect in this role. For example, even while she rebuffs Alfredo's advances in Act I, she cannot help but betray an optimism that seems intriguingly incongruous coming from a courtesan. And if \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Sempre libera\"\u003c\/span\u003e isn't as show stopping as it could be, she makes up for it with a deeply felt reading of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Addio del passato\"\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eRenato Cioni\u003c\/strong\u003e's Alfredo is somewhat of a non-entity and \u003cstrong\u003eMario Sereni\u003c\/strong\u003e lends his attractive baritone to Germont.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Violetta Valery – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flora Bervoix – \u003cstrong\u003eRomana Righetti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Annina – \u003cstrong\u003eLimbania Leoni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alfredo Germont – \u003cstrong\u003eRenato Cioni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Giorgio Germont – \u003cstrong\u003eMario Sereni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gastone – \u003cstrong\u003eGiorgio Goretti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dottore Grenvil – \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Barone Douphol – \u003cstrong\u003eAlfredo Giacomotti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marchese d'Obigny – \u003cstrong\u003eSilvio Maionica\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMilano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1964\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11291-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292608774280,"sku":"11291-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099118852,"sku":"MP3 11291-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080064528705,"sku":"FLAC 11291-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080064561473,"sku":"FLACUP 11291-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11291-2front.jpg?v=1751035943"},{"product_id":"mozart-die-zauberflote-kollo-mathis-gruberova-prey-meven-van-dam-grist-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Mozart: Die Zauberflöte - Kollo, Mathis, Gruberova, Prey, Meven, Van Dam, Grist; Karajan. 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The result is a reading that elevates the work's fairy-tale surface to something more profound and monumental.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn 1974, \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e still retained enough lyric warmth in his tenor to deliver a credible Tamino, though the heroic weight of his voice hints at the Parsifal he would soon become. \u003cstrong\u003eEdith Mathis\u003c\/strong\u003e is radiant as Pamina, bringing grace and poise without being overshadowed by Kollo's heftier sound. \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Prey\u003c\/strong\u003e supplies charm and ease as Papageno, and \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Meven\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a stately, resonant Sarastro. \u003cstrong\u003eEdita Gruberova\u003c\/strong\u003e, in a hair-raising turn as the Queen of the Night, brings a thrilling intensity to her arias, emphasizing the \"dramatic\" in dramatic coloratura.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKarajan surrounds his principals with a luxurious supporting cast, including \u003cstrong\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/strong\u003e as a bubbly, stylish Papagena, \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e in a standout performance as the Speaker, and a superb trio of ladies sung by \u003cstrong\u003eJane Marsh\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eTrudeliese Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eSylvia Anderson\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Tamino – \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Papageno – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Prey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pamina – \u003cstrong\u003eEdith Mathis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Königin der Nacht – \u003cstrong\u003eEdita Gruberova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sprecher – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sarastro – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Meven\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Monostatos – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Papagena – \u003cstrong\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1er Geharnischter – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Schomberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2er Geharnischter – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Egel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erste Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eJane Marsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweite Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eTrudeliese Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dritte Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eSylvia Anderson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erster Priester – \u003cstrong\u003eAlf Beinell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweiter Priester – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Christian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1974\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11331-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292606840968,"sku":"11331-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098728516,"sku":"MP3 11331-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080067707201,"sku":"FLAC 11331-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080067739969,"sku":"FLACUP 11331-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11331-2front.jpg?v=1751035891"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-liebestod-compilation-nilsson-varnay-modl-gorr-silja-schroder-feinen-kuchta-ligendza-bjoner","title":"Compilation: Liebestod - Varnay, Mödl, Nilsson, Bjoner, Silja, Gorr, Dvorakova, Shuard, Dernesch and more","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLiebestod Compilation\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMy journey from casual listener to lifelong devotee of Richard Wagner began when I was 14 years old. While browsing a record store, I happened upon a compilation that included the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/span\u003e from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e. I had never heard anything so emotionally overwhelming, and that moment ignited an obsession with Wagner’s music—\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan\u003c\/span\u003e in particular—that has only deepened over time.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis compilation brings together twelve remarkable interpretations of the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/span\u003e, each offering a unique vocal and emotional perspective. Featured are performances by \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eLudmila Dvořáková\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eRita Gorr\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e—a lineup that reflects the vocal range, interpretive depth, and dramatic intensity that this sublime closing scene continues to inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eRita Gorr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11376-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292605431944,"sku":"11376-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099258756,"sku":"MP3 11376-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080070394177,"sku":"FLAC 11376-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080070426945,"sku":"FLACUP 11376-1","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11376-1front.jpg?v=1751035856"},{"product_id":"wagner-tannhauser-gre-brouwenstijn-hans-beirer-christa-ludwig-wachter-frick-janowitz-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Tannhäuser - Beirer, Brouwenstijn, Ludwig, Wächter, Frick, Kmentt, Janowitz; Karajan. Wien, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTannhäuser\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn characteristic form, \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e assembles an all-star cast for this lush, romantic reading of Wagner's \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTannhäuser\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/strong\u003e is radiant as Elisabeth, charting a vivid emotional arc from innocence to martyrdom with both vocal splendor and psychological nuance. \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e brings her luxuriant mezzo to the role of Venus, making the most of the extended passages from the Paris version of the score.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a beautifully lyrical Wolfram, his singing refined and expressive throughout. \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e brings commanding authority to the Landgraf, rounding out the cast with gravitas. Despite the strength of the ensemble, the performance is somewhat hampered by \u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e in the title role. While his stamina and effort in this punishing part are admirable, his vocalism lacks the finesse and musicality of his colleagues. One senses that Karajan's exquisite orchestral support—and the production's polish overall—are somewhat lost on him.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cast is further enriched by \u003cstrong\u003eWaldemar Kmentt\u003c\/strong\u003e as Walther and a youthful \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e as the Shepherd., allowing the many strengths of this performance to shine through.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eTannhäuser – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElisabeth – \u003cstrong\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWolfram von Eschenbach – \u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVenus – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHermann, Landgraf von Thüringen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalther von der Vogelweide – \u003cstrong\u003eWaldemar Kmentt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiterolf – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Welter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeinrich der Schreiber – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Equiluz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReinmar von Zweter – \u003cstrong\u003eTugomir Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHirt – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11401-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292603924616,"sku":"11401-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099253444,"sku":"MP3 11401-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080072491329,"sku":"FLAC 11401-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080072524097,"sku":"FLACUP 11401-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11401-3front.jpg?v=1751035815"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-leonie-rysanek-gunther-treptow-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre (excerpts from Act I) - Rysanek, Treptow; Karajan. Bayreuth, 1951","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Walküre — Act I, scene iii\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e was just 24 years old when she appeared in the inaugural season of the Post-War Bayreuth in 1951. The appearance marked a new era for the festival and catapulted the young soprano to international stardom. For years only Act III of this recording existed, offering only a tantalizing glimpse of Rysanek in Sieglinde's brief but important appearance in that act, so when I came across this recording featuring Act I, scene iii I was overjoyed. The sound is somewhat muffled but it shows that Rysanek's signature gleaming top and intense stage presence were more or less fully formed even at an age when most singers today would be finishing their master's. \u003cb\u003eGünther Treptow\u003c\/b\u003e delivers an attractive Siegmund and \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e offers an honest yet passionate reading.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eSiegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Treptow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1951\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11429-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeonie Rysanek sings excerpts from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTannhäuser\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eAriadne auf Naxos\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eElektra\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSalome\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292602974344,"sku":"11429-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099205444,"sku":"MP3 11429-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080074064193,"sku":"FLAC 11429-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080074096961,"sku":"FLACUP 11429-1","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11429-1front.jpg?v=1751035787"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-thomas-stewart-brigitte-fassbaender-schreier-stolze-ridderbusch-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Stewart, Fassbaender, Schreier, Kélémen, Stolze, Ridderbusch; Karajan. Salzburg, 1973","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e served as a dry run for Karajan's planned film of the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e. Sadly, that project never progressed beyond \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e, but it still yielded an interesting counterpoint to Karajan's earlier Ring effort, with the most notable difference being \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e as Wotan. Stewart's interpretation could not be more different from \u003cstrong\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/strong\u003e's introspective approach, and while Fischer-Dieskau's nuance may be missed, Stewart's formidable vocal presence is undeniably impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrigitte Fassbaender\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent Fricka, bringing imperious poise and vocal opulence. The standout performance, however, comes from \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e, who delivers Loge's long monologues with vivid engagement and detail. \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e makes much of his brief appearance as Mime.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eBrigitte Fassbaender\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Loge – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltan Kéléman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freia – \u003cstrong\u003eJeannine Altmeyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Froh – \u003cstrong\u003eHermin Esser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Donner – \u003cstrong\u003eLeif Roar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Finnilä\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eLouis Hendrikx\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11448-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292602286216,"sku":"11448-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":16338280068,"sku":"MP3 11448-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080075309377,"sku":"FLAC 11448-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080075342145,"sku":"FLACUP 11448-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11448-2front.jpeg?v=1751035767"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-sigurd-bjorling-malaniuk-fritz-elisabeth-schwarzkopf-topper-wolfgang-windgassen-ludwig-weber-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - S. Björling, H. Ludwig, Fritz, Schwarzkopf, Weber, Töpper; Karajan. Bayreuth, 1951","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e stepped onto the podium to conduct \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e at the reopening of the Bayreuth Festival in 1951, it marked not only a musical event of significance, but a symbolic moment of renewal for German cultural life. After the devastation of the Second World War and the festival's troubling associations with the Nazi era, Bayreuth's return—with Karajan at the helm—signaled a bold reimagining of Wagner's legacy. Karajan approached the score with lean transparency and tightly controlled dramatic pacing, favoring clarity over excess, and transforming the prelude into something both ceremonial and cleansing.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cast assembled for this historic occasion was nothing short of stellar. While the spotlight fell on the leads, even the smaller roles were occupied by artists of great stature:\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Wotan, possessed an imposing vocal instrument, though his interpretation leaned more toward rigidity than nuance. Still, the sheer sound he produced suited the monumental scale of the occasion, and his presence gave weight to Karajan's vision of the gods as flawed, all-too-human figures on the brink of collapse.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eHanna Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLoge – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Fritz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Kuen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinrich Pflanzl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreia – \u003cstrong\u003ePaula Brivkalne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFroh – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Bernauer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonner – \u003cstrong\u003eWerner Faulhaber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Siewert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Weber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eFrederick Dalberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eLore Wissmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHertha Töpper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1951\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11488-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292600909960,"sku":"11488-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":19336932612,"sku":"MP3 11488-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":19336932676,"sku":"FLAC 11488-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080077308225,"sku":"FLACUP 11488-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11488-2front.jpg?v=1751035720"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-jon-vickers-helga-dernesch-baldani-vermeersch-weikl-ridderbusch-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Dernesch, Vickers, Baldani, Ridderbusch, Vermeersch, Weikl, Schreier, Unger; Karajan. Salzburg, 1973","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt's a rare gift to hear \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e as Tristan, a role he only performed a handful of times. His portrayal here is revelatory—vocally fearless and emotionally searing, particularly in the final act where his descent into madness becomes almost too raw to bear. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e opts for a surprisingly transparent and chamber-like approach, drawing ethereal textures from the orchestra, especially in the Liebesnacht. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a deeply affecting King Marke, his voice laden with sorrow and gravitas.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough I have long admired \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e, she faces some challenges with the role of Isolde in this performance. Her pitch wavers during lyrical passages and the top of her voice sounds strained at times. Still, her dusky timbre and earnest intensity offer a compelling take on the character.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eRuža Baldani\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eJef Vermeersch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin junger Seemann – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Schreier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Hirt – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 17, 1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11606-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292596093064,"sku":"11606-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":33791100552,"sku":"MP3 11606-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":33791100616,"sku":"FLAC 11606-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080081011009,"sku":"FLACUP 11606-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11606-3front.jpg?v=1751035594"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-eberhard-wachter-leontyne-price-elisabeth-schwarzkopf-valletti-berry-sciutti-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Wächter, L. Price, Berry, Güden, Wunderlich, Sciutti, Panerai; Karajan. Wien, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis is truly a \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDon Giovanni\u003c\/span\u003e for the ages. At the heart of the performance is \u003cb\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/b\u003e, captured at the very peak of her powers. Her singing is a stunning blend of control, agility, and sheer vocal beauty. \u003cb\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/b\u003e brings a suave, understated confidence to the title role, though his lighter baritone occasionally lacks heft in the lower reaches. \u003cb\u003eFritz Wunderlich\u003c\/b\u003e, a paragon of Mozartian style, sings with such elegance and phrasing that the Viennese audience demands an encore of \"Il mio tesoro.\" The cast is rounded out by \u003cb\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/b\u003e as a deft Leporello, \u003cb\u003eGraziella Sciutti\u003c\/b\u003e as an enchanting Zerlina, \u003cb\u003eWalter Kreppel\u003c\/b\u003e as a commanding Commendatore, and \u003cb\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/b\u003e as Masetto. \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e brings a romantic glow to the score, and the Vienna Philharmonic's strings are particularly noteworthy for their shimmering precision.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon Giovanni – \u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonna Anna – \u003cstrong\u003eLeontyne Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Ottavio – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Wunderlich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonna Elvira – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeporello – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIl Commendatore – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Kreppel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMasetto – \u003cstrong\u003eRolando Panerai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZerlina – \u003cstrong\u003eGraziella Sciutti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 22, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11686-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292592783496,"sku":"11686-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":48259284936,"sku":"MP3 11686-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":48259285000,"sku":"FLAC 11686-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080083566913,"sku":"FLACUP 11686-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11686-3front.jpeg?v=1751035499"},{"product_id":"astrid-varnay-wagner-gotterdammerung-bayreuth-1951-karajan-thais-juive-fidelio-aida-boccanegra-trovatore-macbeth-tristan-parsifal-elektra-salome","title":"Compilation: Astrid Varnay Rarities - A wide range of French, German and Italian arias, including a rare excerpt from the first post-war Götterdämmerung at Bayreuth","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eAstrid Varnay Rarities\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis collection offers a rare glimpse into the early career of \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e, showcasing her in a wide array of repertoire that spans Italian, French, and German opera. The program includes arias from \u003ci\u003eMacbeth\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eIl Trovatore\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSimon Boccanegra\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eAida\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eDon Carlo\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eCavalleria Rusticana\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eLa Gioconda\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThaïs\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eLa Juive\u003c\/i\u003e, Beethoven’s “Ah, perfido!”, \u003ci\u003eFidelio\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eElektra\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSalome\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eLohengrin\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eParsifal\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e. Among the many highlights is a remarkable historical fragment: the final 18 minutes of the inaugural post-war \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e at Bayreuth (1951), featuring Varnay as Brünnhilde, \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e as Gutrune, and \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e conducting. While this excerpt includes five fade-outs due to lost material, it remains a valuable and moving document of a defining moment in operatic history.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11725-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292591505544,"sku":"11725-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":7698581913646,"sku":"MP3 11725-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":7698581946414,"sku":"FLAC 11725-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080084975937,"sku":"FLACUP 11725-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11725-3front.jpg?v=1751035461"},{"product_id":"verdi-requiem-renata-scotto-christa-ludwig-carlo-bergonzi-nicola-zaccaria-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Verdi: Messa da Requiem - Scotto, Ludwig, Bergonzi, Zaccaria; Karajan. Epidavros, 1965","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eMessa da Requiem\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e is known for his remarkable ability to assemble first-rate casts of singers that complement each other, and in this performance of the Verdi Requiem, he has certainly done so. The quartet of singers here is among the finest I've heard, with special mention going to the ethereal \u003cstrong\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/strong\u003e. Although each singer shines in their respective moments, the most remarkable section is the Offertorio, where the ensemble's level of awareness rivals that of the best madrigal choirs. \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eCarlo Bergonzi\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/strong\u003e round out this exceptional cast.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Soprano – \u003cstrong\u003eRenata Scotto\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alto – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Tenor – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlo Bergonzi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Bass – \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Zaccaria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eEpidavros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 9, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11798-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eNOTE\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere are a number of drop-outs throughout the performance, the most unfortunate being all of \"Ingemisco\" as well as a portion of \"Lux aeterna\".\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":32152770936968,"sku":"11798-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":32059445411976,"sku":"MP3 11798-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":32059445477512,"sku":"FLAC 11798-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080087236929,"sku":"FLACUP 11798-1","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11798-1front.jpg?v=1751035393"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-martha-modl-wolfgang-windgassen-elisabeth-schwarzkopf-rudolf-schock-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Mödl, Windgassen, Edelmann, Metternich, Schwarzkopf, Schock; Karajan. Wien, 1953","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLudwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe exact context of this performance remains somewhat unclear. It took place before the reopening of the Wiener Staatsoper, and all spoken dialogue—along with the Act II Melodram—is omitted, though the orchestral accompaniment is still performed. What does come through unmistakably is the sense of catharsis shared by performers and audience alike in the wake of World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e is captured at her peak, singing with her characteristic abandon while maintaining striking control over her distinctive instrument. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a youthful brightness to Florestan, shaping the character with both elegance and emotional weight. \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Schock\u003c\/strong\u003e offer refined contributions as Marzelline and Jacquino, respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe performance's true anchor is \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose conducting reveals insight at every turn. The choral passages, shaped with care by Karajan and the Wiener Singverein, are especially moving and stand as some of the most memorable moments in the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLeonore – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlorestan – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePizarro – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Metternich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRocco – \u003cstrong\u003eOtto Edelmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJaquino – \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Schock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Fernando – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Braun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErster Gefangene – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Majkut\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweiter Gefangene – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Schwaiger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 5, 1953\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11868-2\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 \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMartha Mödl sings \"Abscheulicher!\" from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAthens, 1957\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":37809653743790,"sku":"11868-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":37809653776558,"sku":"MP3 11868-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":37809653809326,"sku":"FLAC 11868-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080089465153,"sku":"FLACUP 11868-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11868-2front.jpg?v=1751035309"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-christa-ludwig-fritz-uhl-hans-hotter-eberhard-wachter-hongen-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Uhl, Ludwig, Höngen, Hotter, Wächter, Berry, Janowitz, Güden; Karajan. 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As Gurnemanz, \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e defies the kindly-old-man cliché and presents a deeply human character whose frustration with Parsifal at the end of Act I is chilling in its intensity. \u003cb\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/b\u003e brings both virility and pain to his portrayal of Amfortas, making the suffering deeply felt.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Flower Maidens scene is elevated by a dream cast including \u003cb\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eAnneliese Rothenberger\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eBiserka Cvejic\u003c\/b\u003e. And in the pit, \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e leads a performance of clarity and elegance, coaxing transparency from the score and demanding exactitude in rhythm and diction.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Parsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Kundry (Act I, Act II, sc. i, Act III) – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Höngen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Kundry (Act II, scene ii) – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Amfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Klingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Titurel – \u003cstrong\u003eTogomir Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alto Voice – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Rössl-Majdan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Knappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eLiselotte Maikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Knappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarethe Sjöstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Knappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eErich Majkut\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Knappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Equiluz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eBiserka Cvejic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eAnneliese Rothenberger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Blumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarethe Sjöstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 1, 1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11950-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":44051738329409,"sku":"11950-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":44051738362177,"sku":"MP3 11950-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":44051738394945,"sku":"FLAC 11950-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080092086593,"sku":"FLACUP 11950-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11950-4front.jpg?v=1751035218"},{"product_id":"mozart-le-nozze-di-figaro-cotrubas-van-dam-tomowa-sintow-von-stade-krause-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro - Cotrubas, Van Dam, Tomowa-Sintow, Von Stade, Krause, Bastin, Kélémen, Berbié; Karajan. 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Unencumbered by the constraints of modern period performance practices, \u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e allows the drama to shape his musical choices. Some of his tempi may catch listeners off guard, but within the emotional arc of the story, they make perfect sense and heighten the opera's theatricality.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Susanna – \u003cstrong\u003eIleana Cotrubas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Figaro – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé van Dam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e La Contessa Almaviva – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Tomowa-Sintow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cherubino – \u003cstrong\u003eFrederica von Stade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Il Conte Almaviva – \u003cstrong\u003eTom Krause\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dottor Bartolo – \u003cstrong\u003eJules Bastin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marcellina – \u003cstrong\u003eJane Berbié\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Don Basilio – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Antonio – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltan Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Barbarina – \u003cstrong\u003eJanet Perry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Don Curzio – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Equiluz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Contadina – \u003cstrong\u003eHermine Saidula\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMay 14, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 11972-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":44439238705473,"sku":"11972-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":44439238738241,"sku":"MP3 11972-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":44439238771009,"sku":"FLAC 11972-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080093036865,"sku":"FLACUP 11972-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11972-3front.jpg?v=1751035198"},{"product_id":"mozart-die-zauberflote-schwarzkopf-gedda-streich-taddei-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Mozart: Die Zauberflöte (In Italian) - Schwarzkopf, Gedda, Taddei, Streich, Petri; Karajan. Roma, 1953","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDie Zauberflöte\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e leads the forces of RAI di Roma in a performance that manages to balance Italianate warmth with the form and elegance of German Singspiel. \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Gedda\u003c\/strong\u003e are beautifully matched, both offering refined tone, superb control, and expressive phrasing that solidify their reputations as two of the finest Mozart interpreters of their generation. \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e delights as Papageno, bringing excellent comic timing and surprising tenderness through his plush baritone. \u003cstrong\u003eRita Streich\u003c\/strong\u003e navigates the Queen's demanding arias with precision and flair, though she might leave some listeners wishing for a touch more weight and authority.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Tamino – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Gedda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pamina – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Papageno – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Taddei\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Königin der Nacht – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Streich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sarastro – \u003cstrong\u003eMario Petri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Monostatos – \u003cstrong\u003eAntonio Pirino\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sprecher – \u003cstrong\u003ePlinio Clabassi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Papagena – \u003cstrong\u003eAlda Noni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erste Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eCarla Schlean\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweite Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eEster Orelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dritte Dame – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Maria Rota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erster Priester – \u003cstrong\u003eNino Del Sole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweiter Priester – \u003cstrong\u003ePlinio Clabassi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erster Knabe – \u003cstrong\u003eBruna Rizzoli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweiter Knabe – \u003cstrong\u003eGilda Capozzi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dritter Knabe – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Maria Rota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 1er Geharnischter – \u003cstrong\u003eNino Del Sole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e 2er Geharnischter – \u003cstrong\u003ePlinio Clabassi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eRoma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 19, 1953\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12051-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Italian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":48183533076801,"sku":"12051-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":48183533109569,"sku":"MP3 12051-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":48183533142337,"sku":"FLAC 12051-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080102441281,"sku":"FLACUP 12051-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12051-2front.jpg?v=1751035102"},{"product_id":"debussy-pelleas-et-melisande-elisabeth-schwarzkopf-ernst-haefliger-graziella-sciutti-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande - Schwarzkopf, Haefliger, Roux, Petri, Sciutti, Calabrese; Karajan. 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Though the role of Yniold is typically sung by a boy, \u003cstrong\u003eGraziella Sciutti\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers it with such skill that it feels entirely right. At the helm, \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e draws out the romantic richness of Debussy's lush orchestration.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003ePelléas – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Haefliger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMélisande – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGolaud – \u003cstrong\u003eMichel Roux\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArkel – \u003cstrong\u003eMario Petri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeneviève – \u003cstrong\u003eChristine Gayraud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYniold – \u003cstrong\u003eGraziella Sciutti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLe Berger – \u003cstrong\u003eFranco Calabrese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLe Médecin – \u003cstrong\u003eFranco Calabrese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eRoma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 19, 1954\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12052-2\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":48183533207873,"sku":"12052-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":48183533240641,"sku":"MP3 12052-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":48183533273409,"sku":"FLAC 12052-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080102474049,"sku":"FLACUP 12052-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12052-2front.jpg?v=1751035101"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-ghiaurov-janowitz-zylis-gara-freni-kraus-evans-panerai-karajan","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Ghiaurov, Janowitz, Zylis-Gara, Freni, Evans, Kraus, Panerai, Talvela; Karajan. 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Salzburg, 1973","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLe nozze di Figaro\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e brings his unmistakable presence to \u003ci\u003eLe nozze di Figaro\u003c\/i\u003e, assembling a cast of luminaries and yet remaining the unmistakable gravitational center of the performance. His approach mirrors the scale and seriousness with which he tackles the \u003ci\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/i\u003e, though never tipping into heaviness or overt romanticism. Instead, he unearths subtleties in the orchestration—small gestures that illuminate character and situation—elevating the orchestra to the role of a Greek chorus, active in the drama rather than merely supporting it.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cast responds in kind, forging an ensemble dynamic as cohesive and responsive as a seasoned opera chorus. \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Stratas\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e are finely matched as Susanna and Figaro, each bringing a grounded elegance to their portrayals. \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Harwood\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Countess, lighter in tone, provides a graceful counterpoint to Stratas, whose Susanna carries a touch more weight; at times, their vocal blend creates an almost fluid interchangeability. \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Berganza\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Cherubino, meanwhile, is both sumptuous and spirited, capturing the youthful impulsiveness of the role with boyish charm and vocal warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Il Conte d'Almaviva – \u003cstrong\u003eTom Krause\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e La Contessa d'Almaviva – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Harwood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Figaro – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Susanna – \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Stratas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Cherubino – \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Berganza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Basilio – \u003cstrong\u003eMichel Sénéchal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marcellina – \u003cstrong\u003eJane Berbié\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dr. Bartolo – \u003cstrong\u003ePaolo Montarsolo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Antonio – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kélémen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Barbarina – \u003cstrong\u003eEvelyn Mandac\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12214-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50345120497985,"sku":"12214-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":50345120530753,"sku":"MP3 12214-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50345120563521,"sku":"FLAC 12214-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080097755457,"sku":"FLACUP 12214-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12214-3front.jpg?v=1751034881"},{"product_id":"verd-aida-martinis-fehenberger-rankin-petri-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Verdi: Aida - Martinis, Fehenberger, Rankin; Karajan. Wien, 1951","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eAida\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen I put this recording on, I expected to hear a performance in German—the norm for Italian operas presented in Austria during the 1950s. To my surprise, the mostly Germanic cast performs in Italian. While the pronunciation occasionally falters (with “Questo” often emerging as “kvesto”), the effort to bring a sense of authenticity is appreciated. What the performance may lack in Italianate style, it makes up for in something more distinctive.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e, unbound by tradition, offers a fresh perspective on \u003ci\u003eAida\u003c\/i\u003e, letting the text guide his musical choices. He draws nuance from the score, supporting the singers both vocally and emotionally—lingering in moments of anguish and driving forward when the drama demands it. Though known as a symphonic maestro, it is clear from this performance that Karajan was very much a man of the theater. \u003cstrong\u003eCarla Martinis\u003c\/strong\u003e's Aida may not be conventionally beautiful in tone, but her rock-solid technique allows her to float phrases with impressive delicacy. \u003cstrong\u003eLorenz Fehenberger\u003c\/strong\u003e, too, offers a secure and energetic Radamès, even if his timbre is not especially refined. \u003cstrong\u003eNell Rankin\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a blazing Amneris. In the end, it is the visionary leadership in the pit that brings this performance to life.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Il Re – \u003cstrong\u003eAlois Pernerstorfer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Amneris – \u003cstrong\u003eNell Rankin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Aida – \u003cstrong\u003eCarla Martinis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Radamès – \u003cstrong\u003eLorenz Fehenberger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ramfis – \u003cstrong\u003eMario Petri\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Amonasro – \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni Malaspina\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Un messaggero – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Spenlbauer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Una sacerdotessa – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Forer\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 2, 1951\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12215-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50345120629057,"sku":"12215-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":50345120661825,"sku":"MP3 12215-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50345120694593,"sku":"FLAC 12215-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080097788225,"sku":"FLACUP 12215-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12215-2front.jpg?v=1751034880"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-ludwig-uhl-berry-frick-stolze-steffek-prey-herbert-von-karajan","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Ludwig, Uhl, Berry, Frick, Stolze, Steffek, Prey; Karajan. München, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLudwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis legendary performance assembles a cast of larger-than-life opera stars whose collective brilliance shapes a \u003ci\u003eFidelio\u003c\/i\u003e that is both emotionally raw and finely wrought. In the title role, \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e is utterly convincing, unleashing soaring high notes that would be the envy of many sopranos, while inviting the listener to revel in her velvety middle register. Her emotional intensity is unflinching, making her anguish in the prison scene palpably real. \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a warmly human presence to Rocco, and \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e infuses Pizarro with a sleek, menacing charm. \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/strong\u003e may not match the magnetic force of his colleagues, but he offers a Florestan marked by admirable vocal assurance. At the podium, \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a masterclass in dramatic pacing, drawing both clarity and urgency from Beethoven's score.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Leonore – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Florestan – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Uhl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pizarro – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Marzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eHanny Steffek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Rocco – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Jacquino – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Don Fernando – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Prey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zwei Gefängene – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinrich Weber\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHans-Bruno Ernst\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 1, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12217-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50345120727361,"sku":"12217-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":50345120760129,"sku":"MP3 12217-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50345120792897,"sku":"FLAC 12217-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080097820993,"sku":"FLACUP 12217-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12217-2front.jpg?v=1751034879"},{"product_id":"verdi-aida-freni-carrerras-horne-cappuccilli-karajan","title":"Verdi: Aida - Freni, Carreras, Horne, Cappuccilli, Ghiaurov, R. Raimondi; Karajan. Salzburg, 1979","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eAida\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/b\u003e’s singular authority in the opera world granted him not only access to the greatest singers of his era, but also the power to mold their performances in unorthodox ways. His casting decisions often defied conventional wisdom, and with his acute sensitivity to vocal timbre and dramatic pacing, he could shape an opera around a singer’s strengths—or weaknesses. This \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eAida\u003c\/span\u003e exemplifies the high stakes of that approach, delivering moments of genuine revelation alongside passages of vocal strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/b\u003e, in the title role, imbues the character with her signature sweetness and fluid line, navigating the part’s challenges with poise and musical insight. She adapts the role to her lyrical strengths, offering a reading that feels both personal and authentically Verdi. \u003cb\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/b\u003e, by contrast, fares less successfully as Radamès. Rather than tailor the role to his inherently lyrical instrument, he approaches it with relentless intensity, singing at full throttle for much of the evening. The strain is audible, and the performance lacks the suppleness that once defined his sound. (Carreras would later cite this very performance as a turning point in his vocal trajectory—a moment where ambition perhaps outpaced judgment.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarilyn Horne\u003c\/b\u003e brings considerable vocal glamour to Amneris. Her formidable technique is especially evident in the judgment scene, where she sings with security and command. While she may not summon the unbridled ferocity that others have brought to the role, her interpretation offers a welcome elegance and refinement.\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\u003eAida – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRadamès – \u003cstrong\u003eJosé Carreras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmneris – \u003cstrong\u003eMarilyn Horne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmonasro – \u003cstrong\u003ePiero Cappuccilli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRamfis – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Ghiaurov\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIl Re – \u003cstrong\u003eRuggero Raimondi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Messaggero – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Moser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUna Sacerdotessa – \u003cstrong\u003eMarjon Lambriks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSalzburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 26, 1979\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12194-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50504706261313,"sku":"12194-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":50504706294081,"sku":"MP3 12194-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50504706326849,"sku":"FLAC 12194-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080098181441,"sku":"FLACUP 12194-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12194-2front.jpg?v=1751034866"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-nilsson-rysanek-suthaus-hotter-frick-madiera-ludwig-welitsch-karajan","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Rysanek, Suthaus, Hotter, Frick, Madiera, Ludwig, Welitsch; Karajan. Wien, 1957","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Suthaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Madeira\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyrer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJudith Hellwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Rössl-Majdan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eLjuba Welitsch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarethe Sjöstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Rohs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eRosette Anday\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eWiener Staatsoper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1957\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30120-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- Memory Note: Future DETAILS sections should not include the Opera name --\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":50543197946177,"sku":"30120-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_6bbe316e-1268-41b0-8f50-97e47140121d.png?v=1751034784"},{"product_id":"bizet-carmen-simionato-gedda-guden-roux-sciutti-karajan","title":"Bizet: Carmen - Simionato, Gedda, Güden, Roux, Sciutti; Karajan. Wien, 1954","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Carmen – \u003cstrong\u003eGiulietta Simionato\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Don José – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Gedda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Micaëla – \u003cstrong\u003eHilde Güden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Escamillo – \u003cstrong\u003eMichel Roux\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Moralès – \u003cstrong\u003eEnzo Sordello\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Frasquita – \u003cstrong\u003eGraziella Sciutti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eVienna\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 5, 1972\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert von Karajan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30212-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":50543202140481,"sku":"30212-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Bizet-Georges_2f464afe-2253-4ca8-9685-5b23f5c7b34c.png?v=1751034716"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Karajan-Herbert-Von.png?v=1755634521","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/herbert-von-karajan.oembed?page=4","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}