{"title":"LANGDON, Michael","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"britten-midsummer-night-dream-veasey-vaughan-baker","title":"Britten: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Veasey, Vaughan, Baker, Young, Bryn-Jones, Langdon, Guy; Balkwill.  London, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all the great adaptations of Shakespeare in the world of opera (and there are many) \u003cem\u003eA Midsummer Night's Dream\u003c\/em\u003e, in my opinion, is the most successful at replicating the feel of Shakespearean style. Whereas other composers drew inspiration from Shakespeare but ultimately presented it through the lens of the musical zeitgeist, Benjamin Britten seemed more keen on letting the action and text act as a springboard thereby creating a style that, although bearing the signature of Britten, seems to have sprung organically out of the Elizabethan era. This recording is interesting not only for the stellar cast, but also for the fact that it is a rare (possibly singular) performance in which the role of Oberon is played by a woman instead of a countertenor. With a woman's voice you lose a touch of the ethereal quality, but Josephine Veasey's strong mezzo makes up for it by giving the role a gravitas and commanding presence that most countertenors can't muster. The rest of the cast includes Janet Baker as Hermia, Delme Bryn-Jones as Demetrius, Elizabeth Vaughan as Titania and Michael Langdon as Bottom. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10918-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666052744,"sku":"10918-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098618948,"sku":"MP3 10918-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10918-2front_643ddd4f-5347-4c6c-a98d-e77ec77b71c6.jpg?v=1751037314"},{"product_id":"strauss-rosenkavalier-jurinac-carlyle-veasey-solti","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Jurinac, Veasey, Carlyle, Langdon, Minton, Lewis; Solti.  London, 1966","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSena Jurinac is one of the few sopranos who had the distinction of having performed all three roles in \u003cem\u003eDer Rosenkavalier.\u003c\/em\u003e On this occasion she has the opportunity to essay the Marschallin, not the title role but nonetheless one of the most enigmatic and vivid characters in all of opera. Jurinac's artistry was such that it was easy to forget that she possessed a wonderful instrument because the main focus for her always seemed to be the expression of the text which she delivers with astounding clarity and meaning. Josephine Veasey is an ardent Octavian and Joan Carlyle's lyrical voice is a wonderful contrast to the chirpy Sophies that one hears all to often these days. Georg Solti brings a fluid quality to the score anchored squarely in highlighting the conversational quality of Hofmannsthal's libretto. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10920-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665987208,"sku":"10920-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099059204,"sku":"MP3 10920-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10920-3front_725284dd-c507-4d0a-9c97-1636eb874243.jpg?v=1751037312"},{"product_id":"wagner-kirsten-flagstad-parsifal-siegfried","title":"Wagner: Kirsten Flagstad sings Parsifal \u0026 Siegfried - Acts I \u0026 II of Parsifal, London, 1951.  Act III Siegfried, London, 1949","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a regret of mine that the great Kirsten Flagstad is so underrepresented in my catalog. Although we are fortunate that she emerged when recordings were starting to become more and more commonplace, the ability to record broadcasts of operas was still in its infancy and an expensive process at that. So even though these performances are incomplete they are priceless because they give an accurate and honest account of the brilliance that was Kirsten Flagstad. By 1951 the bloom of Flagstad's middle voice had become lusher making her the ideal Kundry. Even though the first Act of this \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e, which has not been available for years, only begins 30 minutes into the opera, there are many opportunities for Flagstad, the actress, to shine and as an added bonus we get a chance to hear the excellent Amfortas of Sigurd Bjoerling. In Act II Flagstad displays an electric stage presence and sets fire to the scene in a way that I have never heard her even in roles like Isolde and Brünnhilde. Although a few of the high notes get away from her, she is committed and thrilling. The Excerpt of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e begins right after the Erda-Wanderer scene in Act III. Despite the following scene between Siegfried and the Wanderer being savagely cut, it is nonetheless acquitted very well by Set Svanholm and Kenneth Schon (Schon was an American Bass-Baritone who went on to make a name for himself on Broadway.) Flagstad's subsequent awakening reveals a voice of astonishing beauty and control. Her \"Ewig war ich\" is delivered with the musical delicacy of a Schubert Lied and the vocal technique of a superb Mozart singer. The sound is surprisingly good for the time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10921-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665954440,"sku":"10921-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223812,"sku":"MP3 10921-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10921-3front.jpg?v=1751037311"},{"product_id":"wagner-rienzi-mitchinson-haywood-mcdonnall-langdon-herincx-ward-downes-london-1976","title":"Wagner: Rienzi - Mitchinson, Haywood, McDonnall, Langdon, Herincx, Ward; Downes.  London, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough \u003cem\u003eRienzi\u003c\/em\u003e is not quite up to the artistic level of Wagner's' \"mature works\", the piece has many memorable moments and an overall energetic, youthful drive to it that reminds me of early Verdi. Similar to Verdi's' early works, there is also a strong patriotic component which make for some stirring choruses and ensembles as well as some beautiful arias, in addition to the famous \"Prayer\", including Adriano's \u003cem\u003e\"Gerechter Gott…\"\u003c\/em\u003e  This cast of mostly Brits does an excellent job pulling off the performance. At nearly four hours of music, this is likely one of the most complete Rienzis available (it even included ensembles not in the vocal score I was following.) In the theater this work would most certainly need to be cut, but with the luxury of being able to advance to the next track, this recording is a very interesting window into Wagner's early composition technique. John Mitchinson brings a burly tone and solid technique to the title role. Lorna Haywood is a stand-out as Adriano. The purity of her voice gives her credibility in a pants role and her lush voice serves her well during the dramatic moments of a character that can be considered a proto-Elsa of sorts. Edward Downes leads a performance that favors broad tempi without shortchanging the energetic and rousing ensembles. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10915-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665790600,"sku":"10915-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099240900,"sku":"MP3 10915-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10915-4front.jpg?v=1751037305"},{"product_id":"verdi-falstaff-evans-angioletti-freni-resnik-alva-shaw-veasey-langdon-giulini-london-1961","title":"Verdi: Falstaff - Evans, Angioletti, Freni, Resnik, Alva, Shaw, Veasey, Langdon; Giulini.  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The supporting cast proves equally committed, with standout contributions even in the smaller roles. \u003cb\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/b\u003e gives Mistress Quickly a bold, assertive presence, her vocal coloration appropriately brassy and spirited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eLuigi Alva\u003c\/b\u003e, portraying Nannetta and Fenton, elevate their roles beyond their typical narrative function, bringing genuine charm and lyrical finesse to their scenes. \u003cb\u003eMariella Angioletti\u003c\/b\u003e as Alice may not reach quite the expressive heights of her colleagues, yet her performance remains commendable and poised. Under \u003cb\u003eCarlo Maria Giulini\u003c\/b\u003e’s direction, the pacing is measured without losing vitality; his interpretation allows Verdi’s textures and dramatic shifts to unfold with clarity. The recorded sound supports the performance effectively.\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\u003eFalstaff – \u003cstrong\u003eGeraint Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFenton – \u003cstrong\u003eLuigi Alva\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFord – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Shaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr. Caius – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBardolfo – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Bowman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePistola – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlice Ford – \u003cstrong\u003eMariella Angioletti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNannetta – \u003cstrong\u003eMirella Freni\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeg Page – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMistress Quickly – \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eCarlo Maria Giulini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10914-2\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\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665757832,"sku":"10914-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099096772,"sku":"MP3 10914-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51281821598017,"sku":"FLAC 10914-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10914-2front.jpg?v=1751037304"},{"product_id":"berlioz-les-troyens-thebom-shuard-vickers-kubelik","title":"Berlioz: Les Troyens (In English) - Shuard, Thebom, Vickers, Robinson, Rouleau, Carlyle, Collier; Kubelik. 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This English-language performance features a distinguished cast, including \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle, Marie Collier, Joseph Rouleau\u003c\/strong\u003e, and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Pitch corrected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10544-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643704968,"sku":"10544-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098608708,"sku":"MP3 10544-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50055234060609,"sku":"FLAC 10544-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10544-4front.jpg?v=1751036833"},{"product_id":"shostakovich-katerina-ismailova-collier-craig-kelly-langdon-downes","title":"Shostakovich: Katerina Ismailova (In English) - Collier, Craig, Kraus, Kelly, Langdon; Downes. 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Her voice, while possessing great thrust, carries a fragility that makes Katerina a sympathetic figure despite her crimes. \u003cstrong\u003eCharles Craig\u003c\/strong\u003e, with his powerful tenor, showcases impressive refinement and delicacy in his singing, adding nuance to the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is excellent, and the singers’ diction is clear, ensuring the text is easily understood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10628-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292639969416,"sku":"10628-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098806916,"sku":"MP3 10628-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10628-2front.jpg?v=1751036713"},{"product_id":"benjamin-a-tale-of-two-cities-shuard-harper-young-lewis-langdon","title":"Benjamin: A Tale of Two Cities - Shuard, Harper, Young, Lewis, Langdon; Lovett.  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The sound quality is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10714-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292636823688,"sku":"10714-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098605700,"sku":"MP3 10714-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10714-2front.jpg?v=1751036611"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-ward-veasey-stolze-neidlinger-robinson-solti","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Ward, Veasey, Stolze, Neidlinger, Robinson; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides its illustrious maestro, this \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e does not sport the kind of super stars you may have seen gracing the operatic stages of the world during the 60s. That is not to say that the cast isn't anything but spectacular, in fact the absence of over-sized egos seems to encourage the ensemble to interact with each other in a direct and intimate fashion. David Ward is a Wotan for the ages. His voice is robust and regal and his commitment to the play is both intense and understated. Josephine Veasey's Fricka may in fact suffer from being too beautifully sung which is quite refreshing given how easy it is for this character to become a one-dimensional shrew. For my money, the real star of the show is the superb Loge of Gerhard Stolze. Although Stolze was more closely associated with Mime, he shows that he is just as comfortable being puckish as he is being grotesque. Solti's conducting reveals a breadth and organic quality that to a certain extent is missing from the overly manicured studio release. The sound is fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10763-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634595464,"sku":"10763-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099161988,"sku":"MP3 10763-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10763-2front_48d25956-a22a-4415-a6c8-51ae17f9c2af.jpg?v=1751036541"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-ward-shuard-jones-kozub-veasey-langdon-solti","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Shuard, Jones, Kozub, Ward, Veasey, Langdon; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll sopranos who sing Brünnhilde generally fair better on one side of the cycle or the other. Amy Shuard's youthful soprano seems more at ease as the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde. That is not to say that her voice is lacking in power as exemplified in her lusty hojotohos. David Ward's understated Wotan may lack some of the bravado and presence of others who have sung this role, however, he brings an everyman quality which at times is quite effective highlighting, in particular. Wotan's vulnerability at the end of of the opera very touchingly. A young Gwyneth Jones gets a chance to sink her teeth into Sieglinde, and demonstrates that she is certainly a Brünnhilde in the making. She is joined by Ernst Kozub. It is a shame that this opera star's career seemed to sputter as he is without doubt one of the finest Siegmunds I have ever heard. Solti's conducting is larger than life. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10764-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634562696,"sku":"10764-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099213828,"sku":"MP3 10764-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10764-4front.jpg?v=1751036540"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-hotter-shuard-stolze-solti","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Hotter, Shuard, Stolze; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording is particularly fascinating as it reunites much of the cast from the 1962 recording for a chance to hear them unfettered by Solti's insistence on multiple takes as he notoriously insisted upon in the studio. The result is certainly a performance that, although lacking in the same level of polish, breaths organically and seems in many ways effortless. Wolfgang Windgassen's youthful tenor was one of the best at conveying a teenager in this role. Hans Hotter offers a world weary Wanderer. Once again Gerhard Stolze nearly steals the show as Mime. Can anyone name a better character tenor in the history of opera? Amy Shuard starts out strong but seems to tire as the opera comes to a close, opting out of the last high C. It is a small price to pay considering how mellifluously she spins \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich\"\u003c\/em\u003e almost as if she were singing a Mozart aria. 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Sadly it became clear that he had lost his insight into Wagner’s tetrology creating an overly-analyzed and mannered performance. In many ways this performance, from 1965, may be his finest recording of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. Notorious in the studio for insisting on take after take, to the detriment of any kind of freshness, he is forced to rely more on his instincts which prove to be wiser in many ways than his obsession with perfection. The orchestration sounds like a living organism the undulates and breaths with the action on stage. The cast assembled is first rate. Amy Shuard brings a beauty and youthfulness that is rarely associated with Brünnhilde. Wolfgang Windgassen and Gottlob Frick reprise their roles as Siegfried and Hagen, respectively and a young Gwyneth Jones gets to dip her toe into the Wagner pool, delivering a red-hot Sieglinde aided in no small part to the superb Siegmund of Ernst Kozub. This should be a priceless document to anyone who grew up listening to the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e. The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10767-14\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634235016,"sku":"10767-14","price":112.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099185988,"sku":"MP3 10767-14","price":59.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10767-14front.jpg?v=1751036527"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-hotter-boese-holm-kraus-bohme-konwitschny","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Hotter, Boese, Holm, Kraus, Böhme, Höffgen; Konwitschny.  London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e is the one opera in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e that is truly an ensemble piece. It features many extended scenes with multiple characters delivering exposition that will create the framework for the ensuing evenings. To pull it off it requires a cast of great singing actors and when one is assembled it can create a dramatic experience more akin to a great play than an opera. This performance has just that, headed by the Wotan of Hans Hotter who sings with majesty and sensitivity. Otakar Kraus, a singer whose career centered mostly around Covent Garden, delivers a masterful performance as Alberich favoring a more sympathetic interpretation over the overblown caricature that has become the norm. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10828-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631220360,"sku":"10828-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099159492,"sku":"MP3 10828-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10828-2front.jpg?v=1751036457"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-varnay-hotter-windgassen-shuard-vinay-frick-konwitschny-london-1959","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Varnay, Hotter, Windgassen, Shuard, Vinay, Frick; Konwitschny.   London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this year has been a big year for \u003cem\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/em\u003e. I have now remastered seven complete cycles. Remarkably, I have found that every time I encounter a new performance it is almost like hearing it for the first time and I am amazed given the formidable obstacles in presenting this work, just how malleable it is and, unlike other works, how there will never truly be a definitive interpretation. Even if there is about an hour differential between the timings of Knappertsbusch and Boulez, both points of view seem to work within the context of the drama and highlight different aspects of the score. Konwitschny’s interpretation is no less interesting as well as unique. In general, he favors slower tempi while maintaining the lyricism of the melodic line. His approach is softer in many ways giving the orchestra a feeling of transparency and lightness throughout. His efforts are buttressed by some phenomenal singing. Astrid Varnay delivers one of the finest performances of Brünnhilde I have ever heard her do. Although she had already been singing Wagner for nearly twenty years, and she would soon retire the hochdramatische roles from her repertoire, she approaches the daunting challenges unflinchingly and misses none of the marks. She is joined by Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried. In hearing his performance you really get the sense of what an excellent technician he was. Even if his voice was not truly of the heldentenor ilk, he never pushes it beyond its means maintaining the sweetness of his voice throughout the long evenings. Hans Hotter is captured at the height of both his vocal and interpretive powers. It is hard to envisage what a better Wotan would sound like. The rest of the cast includes Amy Shuard and Ramón Vinay as Siegmund and Sieglinde, respectively, Gottlob Frick as Hagen and Ursula Boese as Fricka. The sound is superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10832-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631089288,"sku":"10832-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099187460,"sku":"MP3 10832-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10832-13front.jpg?v=1751036452"},{"product_id":"berg-wozzeck-walters-wolkowsky-sinclair-kleiber","title":"Berg: Wozzeck (In English) - Walters, Wolkowsky, Sinclair, Hannesson, Jones, Dalberg; E. Kleiber","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis complete performance is notable for two reasons:  the opera is sung in English and  it is conducted by the great Erich Kleiber.  English speakers will appreciate the immediacy of hearing this great drama in the vernacular and lovers of great conducting will marvel at the lightness and transparency that Kleiber brings to Berg's savagely beautiful score.  Kleiber makes the complexities of the score seem almost effortless, and whereas so many conductors seem to approach the piece as a math puzzle, Kleiber shows that there is a strong organic quality to the score that is greater than mixed-meters and tone rows.   The cast is very strong.  Jess Walters brings a nobility and thoughtfulness to the title roles even at the moments when the character is seemingly becoming undone.  Marea Wolkowsky is a sensual Marie.  Parry Jones stands out as the Captain.  The sound is far from perfect, having been transferred from LPs but the performances comes through.  If this is your first recording of \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e I might steer you clear but if you love this opera you will find this interpretation invaluable.  As a bonus I have included a performance of Act II of \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e sung in German from 1934 conducted by Adrian Boult (it is remarkable to think that the composer was still alive when it was made!)  Ironically the sound of this performance is much better than the one from 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAct II of \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cbr\u003eBitterauf, Blyth, Jones, Hemming; Boult \u003cbr\u003eLondon, 1934\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10880-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629581960,"sku":"10880-2","price":10.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098607172,"sku":"MP3 10880-2","price":5.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10880-2front.jpg?v=1751036395"},{"product_id":"schoenberg-moses-und-aron-lewis-robinson-jones-minton-solti","title":"Schoenberg: Moses und Aron (In English) - Lewis, Robinson, Lanigan, Kelly, Jones; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMoses und Aron\u003c\/em\u003e is certainly a more challenging work that \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e both dramatically and musically.  The music lacks the atavistic romanticism of Berg's score and the drama does not have the same kind of power.  That is not to say that this opera is any less of a satisfying experience.  The colors Schoenberg creates have an otherworldly quality much like the Rite of Spring.  For example, in the opening scene Moses is depicted speaking to God through the burning bush.  Schoenberg sets the voice of God as a six voice choir juxtaposed with a chorus of children singing in \u003cem\u003eSprechstimme\u003c\/em\u003e.  The effect is mesmerizing.   Although I have seen this opera live twice now, I don't think it has ever really made sense to me until I came across this performance.  This is due mostly to the fact that it is sung in English.  When you hear \u003cem\u003eSprechstimme\u003c\/em\u003e in your native tongue you will find that the style begins to make sense and Forbes Robinson, as Moses, seems devoted to the idea of approaching this style as if it were a spoken play with music underneath even to the detriment of his otherwise mellifluous bass voice.  Richard Lewis's charismatic tenor makes him a wonderful counterpart as Aron to the otherwise taciturn Moses.  The rest of the cast includes such notable up-and-coming singers as Maureen Guy, Yvonne Minton, Gwyneth Jones and Delme Bryn-Jones.  It is to Sir Georg Solti's enormous credit that he would not only tackle this very thorny score but he could find music and even at times lyricism within it.  The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10881-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629549192,"sku":"10881-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098804420,"sku":"MP3 10881-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10881-2front.jpg?v=1751036394"},{"product_id":"strauss-die-schweigsame-frau-holt-ward-macdonald-vaughan-kempe","title":"Strauss: Die schweigsame Frau (In English) - Ward, Holt, MaCDonald, Sinclair, Vaughan, Berry; Kempe.  London, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have never given \u003cem\u003eDie schweigsame Frau\u003c\/em\u003e a chance, now is your opportunity! The opera is based loosely on the same premise as \u003cem\u003eDon Pasquale\u003c\/em\u003e and flirts with all the same ideas of class and geriatric delusion. And although Strauss does tip his hat to a style that seems born out of the old tradition of opera buffo, he was not about to shortchange the audience on orchestral color and rich harmonies. It was quite wise for the Britons to present this performance in English as it gives the witty libretto a chance to shine, especially when in the hands of some first rate English singers. As Sir Morosus, the excellent bass-baritone, David Ward, gets a chance to display his cheeky side. Barbara Holt manages a demure and shrinking Aminta and then unleashes a monster of Elektra-sized proportions. She also congers up some lovely lyrical singing with tenor Kenneth MacDonald. MacDonald deserves double kudos for both his lovely lyric tenor as well as his keen skills as an actor. With all the spoken dialogue the character has, this proves to be an enormous blessing (there is nothing worse than listening to a singer embarrass themselves when made to speak without the crutch of music.) The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10890-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628500616,"sku":"10890-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099044612,"sku":"MP3 10890-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10890-3front.jpg?v=1751036376"},{"product_id":"mozart-le-nozze-di-figaro-evans-ligabue-berganza-freni-gobbi-langdon-solti","title":"Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro - Evans, Ligabue, Freni, Berganza, Gobbi, Langdon; Solti.  London, 1963","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe assembled cast of young singers (mixed with a few veterans) for this performance of \u003cem\u003eLe Nozze di Figaro\u003c\/em\u003e makes for an evening of impressive displays of vocal technique and tight ensembles. Mirella Freni is wonderful as Susanna. Her creamy voice has just the right mixture of ingenue and sensuality that make her charming in the first act, and alluring in her Act IV aria. Geraint Evans brings an everyman quality to the role of Figaro, and if the voice lacks a certain amount of glamor, he makes up for it with a keen commitment to the text. Teresa Berganza, still in her twenties, delivers a fresh Cherubino, with my only quibble being that it is possible her rich mezzo was a tad too lush for pants roles. Tito Gobbi brings a brusque quality to the count which make for a good protagonist but perhaps robs the his final apology to the countess of some credibility. Ilva Ligabue's lush Countess is occasionally marred by wayward pitch. Georg Solti's tempos are on the brisk side although never rushed. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10913-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627845256,"sku":"10913-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098741316,"sku":"MP3 10913-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10913-3front.jpg?v=1751036359"},{"product_id":"britten-billy-budd-ward-pears-langdon-britten","title":"Britten: Billy Budd - Ward, Pears, Langdon; Britten.  London, 1960","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eBilly Budd\u003c\/em\u003e is notable because it captures the great Peter Pears in the role of Captain Vere. Pears was no stranger to this role, having created it in 1951 and continuing to sing it up until the famous Met production in 1979. By 1960 his voice was still in excellent shape while his understanding of the role had deepened in the decade or so that had elapsed from the premiere. Simply put, he is chilling especially in the prologue and epilogue where he considers his actions\/mistakes as an old man. Joseph Ward delivers a virile and boisterous Billy. Michael Langdon's black bass is near perfect as Claggart. He is truly evil personified. Benjamin Britten displays a keen sense for his own score as well as a technique that must have been rock solid for him to navigate the architecture of this score. The sound is generally very good although there is some occasional interference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10954-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627484808,"sku":"10954-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098616516,"sku":"MP3 10954-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10954-2front.jpg?v=1751036347"},{"product_id":"britten-midsummer-nights-dream-oberlin-carlyle-evans-quilico-solti","title":"Britten: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Oberlin, Carlyle, Elkins, Evans, Quilico, Robinson, Langdon; Solti.  London, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Midsummer Night's Dream\u003c\/em\u003e had only had its world premiere one year before this performance took place. Interestingly enough instead of relying on the original singers, Covent Garden assembled an almost entirely new cast giving this young work an interesting new point of view. Russell Oberlin's ethereal countertenor is a perfect fit for the role of Oberon. Joan Carlyle offers a full-voiced Tytania (sadly these days this part has seemed to be relegated to the chirpiest of soubrette.) Sir Geraint Evans lends his earthy baritone and refined acting skills to the role of Bottom to hilarious effect. Sir Georg Solti does a masterful job at crafting this mysterious and delicate score. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10958-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627353736,"sku":"10958-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098619588,"sku":"MP3 10958-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10958-2front.jpg?v=1751036343"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-giongo-hoffman-cossutta-langdon-leitner","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Ward, Hoffman, Kelemen, Cossotto; Leitner. Buenos Airies, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTeatro Colón's 1967 \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e gets off to a well-oiled start with Ferdinand Leitner on the podium. Leitner conducts a slick, elegant performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle's\u003c\/em\u003e first evening, from a mystical prelude to a taut, exciting descent into Nibelheim. The cast is, to be frank, a little bit of a mixed bag (so is the brass section, but let that pass). David Ward is a booming if occasionally wooly Wotan, and Herbert Schachtshneider gives Loge plenty of guile but not much vocal power. But Grace Hoffman is a mercurial, strong-willed (and strong-voiced) Fricka, and Michael Langdon's black-voiced, frightening Fafner wipes the floor with Heinz Hagenau's Fasolt. There's a striking Erda from Erika Wien, and Froh is well-served by a luxury-cast Carlo Cossutta (who presumably was on his off-night during a run of Otello or something), Best of all is Bayreuth mainstay Zoltan Kélémen, one of the finest Alberichs of the twentieth century, who delivers a furious, unflinching rendition of the curse. The true glories of this cycle will come when the sopranos arrive in \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e, but this is a compelling, enjoyable prologue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11054-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623913096,"sku":"11054-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099158724,"sku":"MP3 11054-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11054-2front.jpg?v=1751036243"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-birgit-nilsson-gwyneth-jones-david-ward-leitner","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Nilsson, Jones, Ward, Hoffman, Langdon; Leitner. Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1967, Birgit Nilsson was at the height of her powers whereas Gwyneth Jones was still relatively unknown. Hearing these two very different singers side by side just adds to the pleasure of this remarkable performance. Nilsson’s vocal power came through the laser intensity of her unique instrument whereas Jones’ voice soared over the orchestra with the force of a mac truck. Both women sing gloriously particularly Jones whose voice was free of the flaws that would mar her later years. David Ward brings mellifluous and grace to the role of Wotan, managing to convey the god’s fire and brimstone without yelling his way through Wagner’s soaring vocal lines. Richard Martell as Siegmund is the weak link of the cast. The voice seems to have respectable power but little vocal beauty. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11055-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623880328,"sku":"11055-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099199556,"sku":"MP3 11055-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11055-3front.jpg?v=1751036242"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-kelemen-leitner","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward; Leitner. Buenos Airies, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e captures the legendary pairing of Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen at the height of their powers. Wolfgang Windgassen brings youthful vigor to the role of Siegfried. His fundamentally lyrical tenor seems most at home during the introspective moments in Act II, but he is also quite credible during the demanding forging scene. David Ward’s Wanderer is both commanding and avuncular. He is particularly good in Act III where most Wanderers have to resort to barking. Ward, however, maintains the beauty of his baritone even during the most declamatory passages. Many focus on the prodigious vocal gifts of Birgit Nilsson, and for good reason. Her tone is sterling and her production effortless no matter how ludicrous the vocal demands. What is rarely mentioned about Nilsson is how intelligent she was as an artist. Her \u003cem\u003e”Ewig war ich”\u003c\/em\u003e in Act III bears a closer resemblance to a Mozart Rondò in terms of musicality and phrasing than Wagner. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11056-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623847560,"sku":"11056-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251588,"sku":"MP3 11056-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11056-3front.jpg?v=1751036241"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-nilsson-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-langdon-leitner-buenos-aires-1967","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman, Langdon; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen one thinks of the various hubs of Wagner in the world (i.e. Vienna, Bayreuth, New York) Buenos Aires seems a rather illogical addition. However, this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e will attest that even if the Argentinians may have been lacking in the polish of some of the previous mentioned houses, they knew how to mount a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that could rival any in the norther hemisphere. Their efforts are aided to a large part by a spectacular cast. Birgit Nilsson sings all three of the Brünnhildes with shocking ease. It is truly extraordinary how a voice can have both the thrust and the beauty that she possessed. Throughout the many hours of singing, she is able to unleash laser-like high notes and then spin a legato line as if she were singing a Mozart aria without even a hint of fatigue. Her frequent partner Wolfgang Windgassen joins her as Siegfried. Although Windgassen may not have had the same power that Nilsson possessed, he navigated his way through these operas intelligently, never pushing his voice beyond its means or sacrificing the beauty and youthful sheen of his tone. Gwyneth Jones joins us as Sieglinde as well as the Third Norn and Gutrune. If memories of some of her later years may have marred your impression of this great soprano, I would quickly refer you to this performance. Her voice is flawless and she seems perfectly at home in the Wagnerian mold. David Ward delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have come across. Ferdinand Leitner leads a brisk performance and manages to extract some fine playing from the orchestra, the odd missed cue notwithstanding. The performances employ some cuts which can be jarring but also keep the performance moving. 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London, 1975","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"title-header\"\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\u003eMarschallin – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOctavian – \u003cstrong\u003eBrigitte Fassbaender\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOchs – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMajor Domo – \u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Egerton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValzacchi – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnnina – \u003cstrong\u003eGillian Knight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eItalian Tenor – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Rendall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSophie – \u003cstrong\u003eEdith Mathis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFaninal – \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeitmetzerin – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLandlord – \u003cstrong\u003eAdrian de Peyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eCovent Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 28, 1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSilvio Varviso\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30009-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":50537272770881,"sku":"30009-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Strauss-Richard_26f05685-a00f-4d4e-b4b9-d59089d4605f.png?v=1751123728"},{"product_id":"verdi-la-traviata-zeani-mcalpine-walters-collier-robinson-lewis-langdon-santi","title":"Verdi: La Traviata - Zeani, McAlpine, Walters, Collier, Robinson, Lewis, Langdon; Santi. London, 1960","description":"\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      Violetta – \u003cstrong\u003eVirginia Zeani\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alfredo – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam McAlpine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Germont – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Flora – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Baron Douphol – \u003cstrong\u003eForbes Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      D’Obigny – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Dr. Grenvil – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Annina – \u003cstrong\u003eLeah Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gastone – \u003cstrong\u003eKeith Raggett\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      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1960\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLive Performance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eNello Santi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30417-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":50912114180417,"sku":"30417-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_e7d75ded-8637-40aa-8606-29b36b183f13.png?v=1760723609"},{"product_id":"verdi-falstaff-gobbi-ligabue-bailey-bainbridge-brecknock-langdon-davis","title":"Verdi: Falstaff - Gobbi, Ligabue, Bailey, Bainbridge, Brecknock, Langdon; Davis. London, 1974","description":"\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      Falstaff – \u003cstrong\u003eTito Gobbi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Pistola – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Bardolfo – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Bowman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Dr. Caius – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mistress Page – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Davies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alice Ford – \u003cstrong\u003eIva Ligabue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Nannetta – \u003cstrong\u003eSheila Armstrong\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mistress Quickly – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ford – \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Bailey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fenton – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Brecknock\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      Venue: \u003cstrong\u003eCovent Garden, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1974\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Colin Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30449-2\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":50912116146497,"sku":"30449-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_0ad80b22-8a69-415b-9816-6fab3ff96cdc.png?v=1760723653"},{"product_id":"verdi-don-carlo-cossutta-arroyo-veasey-ward-braun-langdon-pritchard","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo - Cossutta, Arroyo, Veasey, Ward, Braun, Langdon; Pritchard. London, 1972","description":"\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      Don Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlo Cossutta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Tebaldo – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Pashley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Elisabetta di Valois – \u003cstrong\u003eMartina Arroyo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conte di Lerma – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Un Frate – \u003cstrong\u003eGwynne Howell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Rodrigo, Marchese di Posa – \u003cstrong\u003eVictor Braun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Filippo II – \u003cstrong\u003eDavis Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Principessa d’Eboli – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      La Voce dal Cielo – \u003cstrong\u003eTeresa Cahill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Il Grande Inquisitore – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Araldo – \u003cstrong\u003eGraham McIntosh\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      Venue: \u003cstrong\u003eRoyal Opera House, Covent Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMay 12, 1972\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Pritchard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30472-3\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":50912117293377,"sku":"30472-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_6c5acc6f-20d4-4bd3-96cd-0bc15d4790a0.png?v=1760723685"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-ross-cassilly-rintzler-langdon-hendricks-estes-maazel","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Ross, Cassilly, Rintzler, Langdon, Hendricks, Estes; Maazel. 1976","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLudwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElinor Ross\u003c\/strong\u003e assumes the title role in this concert performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/span\u003e, bringing a voice that combines size and warmth to often thrilling effect. At times, I found myself giving in to my bias for a more classical approach to the role, and indeed some of the higher notes must be negotiated downward, but she more than makes up for this in the dramatic passages, particularly in the Act II confrontation with Don Pizarro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Cassilly\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a voice of unusual purity and power to Florestan, while \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e adds welcome vocal warmth as Rocco. The real stand-out, however, is \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Hendricks\u003c\/strong\u003e as Marzelline. Still in her twenties, Hendricks’ artistry already possessed the compelling radiance that would soon make her a star. \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Estes\u003c\/strong\u003e makes an impressive cameo as Don Fernando.\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      Leonore – \u003cstrong\u003eElinor Ross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Florestan – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Cassilly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Don Pizarro – \u003cstrong\u003eMarius Rintzler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Rocco – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Jacquino – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Marzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Hendricks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Don Fernando – \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Estes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      1. Gefängener – \u003cstrong\u003eJames Vincent Pickens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      2. Gefängener – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Berger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Narrator – \u003cstrong\u003eSteven Klein\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\u003eCleveland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 25, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eLorin Maazel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12327-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":51258954547521,"sku":"12327-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":51258954580289,"sku":"MP3 12327-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51258954613057,"sku":"FLAC 12327-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12327-2front.jpg?v=1768255622"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Langdon-Michael.png?v=1752420506","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/michael-langdon.oembed?page=3","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}