Wagner: Parsifal (In Italian) - Baldelli, Callas, Christoff, Panerai, Modesti; Gui. Rai di Roma, 1950
$24.95
Description:
Years ago when I first heard this performance of Parsifal, it was quite difficult for me to get over then oddity of it being sung in Italian. Upon closer reexamination I have found that if you can get past that there is actually a superb performance here independent of the fact that it also features the great Maria Callas as Kundry. If only more of Callas' performances of Wagner still existed as this is a tantalizing glimpse into what her Walküre Brünnhilde and Isolde must have been like. The intensity and commitment that Callas brought to roles like Tosca and Norma make Kundry a natural fit. She also achieves some mesmerizing moments particularly in her act II monolog, "Grausamer" in which she describes after having laughed at Christ on the cross, being moved by pity. It is remarkable that she was only 27 when this performance was made. Africo Baldelli is a sturdy, if somewhat unremarkable Parsifal, although he brings a cantabile quality to his singing which serves him quite well in the third act. Boris Christoff is a sonorous Gurnemanz and Rolando Panerai brings a sweet bel canto quality to Amfortas even during his anguished outbursts. All in all this group of Italians (and Italian specialists) manages to bring the best of their tradition to Wagner without perverting his singular vision for one of the most mystical operas ever written. The sound is good.
OD 10912-3
Listen to a Sample:
Great Performance, Excellent Sound!
This is the only document we have of Callas in a complete Wagner role, one she gave up early on (there was talk of her performing it at La Scala in the mid 50's, but nothing ever came of it). She is terrific, really conjuring up Kundry's seductive allure and wild unpredictability. She performs all of Kundry's screams in the second act (including the one at the end that most Kundrys leave out), but doesn't bother to groan or scream when she wakes up in Act Three. What a pity a complete Isolde has never surfaced, a role she did indeed broadcast. Christoff sings Gurnemanz's monologues very well (or what's left of them with all the performance cuts). The young Panerai is a moving Amfortas and Baldelli is a more lyrical Parsifal than we normally hear. Among the Flowermaidens are two well-known Lucias, Lina Pagliughi and Liliana Rossi. Gui leads a strong performance preserved in good sound. Parsifal goes well in Italian too. Gui's cuts are annoying, but to be expected given the era in which this performance was given. All Callas fans should hear this and Wagner fans too!

parsifal - callas
I'd love to give you 5 stars - but I've never received the CD in the post!! I've probably had the download - but I don't do downloads. Will I get the CD or don't you send them by post any more?? Also I have written before but got no reply. You have a wonderful catalogue - right up my street but I can't buy any more unless I know I will get the CDs
parsifal - callas
I'd love to give you 5 stars - but I've never received the CD in the post!! I've probably had the download - but I don't do downloads. Will I get the CD or don't you send them by post any more Also I have written before but got no reply. You have a wonderful catalogue - right up my street but I can't buy any more unless I know I will get the CDs

Alberto Ramos Elorduy W
Possibly the recording does not do justice to this version of Parsifal. The voices of all singers are extremely altered, although you can see how great they are. In my opinion, Maria Callas makes an excellent interpretation of Kundry. I consider driving as modest. The Italian interpretation makes it an interesting version of Parsifal.
Alberto Ramos Elorduy W
Possibly the recording does not do justice to this version of Parsifal. The voices of all singers are extremely altered, although you can see how great they are. In my opinion, Maria Callas makes an excellent interpretation of Kundry. I consider driving as modest. The Italian interpretation makes it an interesting version of Parsifal.