Wagner: Parsifal - Vinay, Mödl, Greindl, London, Blankenheim; Knappertsbusch. Bayreuth, 1957
$10.17
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Any Parsifal featuring legends like Martha Mödl and Hans Knappertsbusch is a thrilling prospect, but this recording has the added allure of Ramón Vinay in the title role. By 1957, Vinay was nearing the end of his tenor career, yet Parsifal proved a perfect match for his voice. He sings with remarkable ease and power throughout the evening, and despite the baritonal warmth of his tenor, he still convincingly conveys the innocent wonder of the title character.
Martha Mödl, on the brink of a fach shift as her voice bore the strain of years of Wagnerian roles, delivers a Kundry that is anything but polished—yet utterly compelling. The vocal wear and tear that troubled her performances of Fidelio and Brünnhilde at this stage in her career surprisingly works in her favor here, exposing Kundry's raw desperation. It may not be pretty, but it’s undeniably riveting.
George London is superb as Amfortas, and Josef Greindl offers a sympathetic Gurnemanz, though he falls slightly short in elegance. The sound quality is excellent, making this a recording well worth exploring.
OD 10811-4
