{"title":"Opera in German","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"strauss-die-frau-ohne-schatten-rysanek-hopf-schech-metternich-benningsen-kempe-munchen-1954","title":"Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - Rysanek, Hopf, Schech, Metternich, Benningsen; Kempe.  München, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf the performances of \u003cem\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/em\u003e I have heard, this is one of the most successful at making sense out of an otherwise obtuse fairy tale. This is due in no small part to the stellar cast and the youthful energy they bring to their parts. Leonie Rysanek is captured before Abigaille and other roles that she took on in the 60s would rob her of the youthful purity of her voice. Her voice has an alluring silvery shimmer that is consistent during her most dramatic outbursts as well as the almost miraculously delicate pianissimos. She is well paired with Marianne Schech who sings the Dyer's Wife. Schech's voice always reminded me of Rysanek's. Although a shade brighter, it had the same kind of electric excitement on top. Hans Hopf highlights the lyricism of the Emperor even during some of the most athletic singing. Josef Metternich's approach to Barak is similarly lyrical, making for some very beautiful moments in Act III when he is searching for his wife. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10940-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666937480,"sku":"10940-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099044420,"sku":"MP3 10940-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10940-3front.jpg?v=1751037334"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-varnay-vinay-malaniuk-weber-neidlinger-jochum-bayreuth-1953","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Varnay, Vinay, Malaniuk, Weber, Neidlinger; Jochum.  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The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10938-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666871944,"sku":"10938-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263812,"sku":"MP3 10938-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10938-3front.jpg?v=1751037332"},{"product_id":"leonore-jones-king-adam-beethoven","title":"Beethoven: Leonore - Jones, King, Adam, Nienstedt, Hausmann, Hollweg, Wächter; Melles.  ORF, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no secret that Beethoven agonized for years over \u003cem\u003eFidelio\u003c\/em\u003e. This performance of his earlier version, Leonore, is a fascinating glimpse into Beethoven's compositional process. Unlike other early versions of operas (i.e. Macbeth, Butterfly etc) \u003cem\u003eLeonore\u003c\/em\u003e almost sounds like an entirely different piece. Not only did he remove numbers altogether, but many of the arias and ensembles that survived have differences large and small. \u003cem\u003e\"Abscheulicher\"\u003c\/em\u003e begins with an entirely new recit before the aria. \u003cem\u003e\"O namenlose Freude\"\u003c\/em\u003e begins with a recit and once the duet proper begins, Leonore and Florestan sing the opening lines together as opposed to antiphonally. There is also a beautiful duet between Leonore and Marzelline that has an obbligato violin solo. The differences go on and on and in some cases you can see the wisdom in Beethovens' changes and in other instances you find yourself wishing he had had more confidence in his original composition. The cast of this performance does much to advocate for the earlier version. Gwyneth Jones sings the title role with both classical grace and romantic ardor. James King may have been glad that the earlier version of \u003cem\u003e\"Gott! Welch dunkel hier\"\u003c\/em\u003e was not as strenuous as its final iteration, but still sings like a god. Theo Adam is an excellent Pizarro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sound is pretty good although there is some brief skipping that I couldn't remove during the Act I duet between Pizarro and Rocco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10936-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666740872,"sku":"10936-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098708356,"sku":"MP3 10936-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10936-2front.jpg?v=1751037327"},{"product_id":"gotterdammerung-wagner-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Randová; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou would not expect Catarina Ligendza to be as successful in the role of Brünnhilde as she was. Her jugendlische sound seems a somewhat incongruous fit, especially in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. Surprisingly, she manages to rise to the challenges with confidence. She is well matched with the Siegfried of Jean Cox (the two must have been one of the most attractive pair in the history of Bayreuth.) Karl Ridderbusch brings sinister charm to the role of Hagen. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10932-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmuseed-player data-playlist=\"10932-4\" width=\"640\" height=\"compact-height\"\u003e \u003c\/museed-player\u003e \u003cscript type=\"module\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/player.museed.co\/player.js\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" async\u003e \u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666347656,"sku":"10932-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098695428,"sku":"MP3 10932-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10932-4front.jpg?v=1751037324"},{"product_id":"humperdinck-hansel-und-gretel-varnay","title":"Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel - H. Jungwirth, Seibel, Varnay, Nöcker, Thaw, List; Bender.  München, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eHänsel und Gretel\u003c\/em\u003e features some of the fine house singers of the Bayerische Staatsoper including Astrid Varnay as the Mother. In her later years, Varnay decided to give up the nomadic life of a jet-setting diva in favor of a steady job as a Fest singer and settled in Munich where she continued to perform until as late as 1995. By 1977 Varnay's voice was a little shop-worn, but she manages the demands of the mother with aplomb including an impressive high B. Helena Jungwirth and Marianne Seibel are a charming pair as Hansel and Gretel. The sound is only fair. There is a slight buzz throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10926-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666183816,"sku":"10926-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098698116,"sku":"MP3 10926-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10926-2front.jpg?v=1751037319"},{"product_id":"schubert-winterreise-hotter","title":"Schubert: Winterreise - Hans Hotter, 1976 \u0026 1947.  Plus: Excerpts from Wagner Operas","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy coincidence I recently came across two performances of Hans Hotter singing \u003cem\u003eWinterreise\u003c\/em\u003e separated by nearly thirty years. Hearing these two performances, recorded at opposite ends of Hotter's career, is a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of an artist. It is also a testament to the longevity of Hotter's career as the 1976 performance reveals a voice that, although weathered, is still in excellent shape. That said, it is only natural that his interpretation would deepen over the years and though the 1947 performance is remarkable for its interpretive achievements, (as well as vocal) the 1976 accounting is truly chilling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBONUS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Hotter sings excerpts from \u003cem\u003eParsifal, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Die Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10927-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666151048,"sku":"10927-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098806276,"sku":"MP3 10927-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10927-3front.jpg?v=1751037318"},{"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":"mozart-don-giovanni-waechter-sutherland-schwarzkopf-taddei-sciutti-alva-cappuccilli-frick-davis-london-1959","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Wächter, Sutherland, Schwarzkopf, Taddei, Sciutti, Alva, Cappuccilli, Frick; Davis.  London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDon Giovanni \u003c\/em\u003ewas meant to be a dry-run for the now legendary recording of Don Giovanni conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini with one notable exception. Giulini got sick. Fortunately Colin Davis, another talented Mozartian, was waiting in the wings. The approaches of the two conductors couldn't be more different. Whereas Giulini favored a more romantic approach, Davis delivers a lighter, nimbler reading. The singers are all the same and they are phenomenal. Eberhard Wächter as the Don might not appeal to those who prefer a bass-baritone in the role, but he may just change your mind when you hear the thrilling high A he unleashes during the final scene. I can think of few baritones who had the ability to alternate seamlessly between buffo characters and leading men as well as Giuseppe Taddei and Leporello gives him ample opportunities to do just that. The rest of the cast includes Elisabeth Schwarzkopf as Elvira, Joan Sutherland as Anna, Luigi Alva as Ottavio, Graziella Sciutti as Zerlini, Gottlob Frick as the Commendatore and even a young Piero Cappuccilli as Masetto. The bad news is that the sound is somewhat muffled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10916-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665823368,"sku":"10916-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098734980,"sku":"MP3 10916-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10916-3front.jpg?v=1751037306"},{"product_id":"strauss-rosenkavalier-schwarzkopf-della-casa-jurinac","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Schwarzkopf, Jurinac, Della Casa, Edelmann, Kunz, Cuenod; Karajan.  Milan, 1952","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\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\n\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\n\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\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10074-3\u003c\/p\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}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10074-3front.jpg?v=1751037245"},{"product_id":"strauss-rosenkavalier-dernesch-fassbaender-popp-kleiber","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Dernesch, Fassbaender, Popp, Moll, Kusche, Unger; Kleiber.  München, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/b\u003e is joined by a stellar cast for this 1977 performance of \u003ci\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cb\u003eBrigitte Fassbaender\u003c\/b\u003e brings sincerity and ease to the role of Octavian, paired beautifully with \u003cb\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/b\u003e, who matches her in youthful vitality. \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e is poignant in her monologues, though she shows some strain in the higher tessitura—a year later, she would transition to mezzo-soprano roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKleiber’s\u003c\/b\u003e command of the score is phenomenal. The orchestra breathes with the singers, offering them space when needed and then enveloping them in lush sonorities. The sound is excellent, as is the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10115-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292662841480,"sku":"10115-3","price":16.17,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099059140,"sku":"MP3 10115-3","price":8.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50364104016193,"sku":"FLAC 10115-3","price":10.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10115-3front.jpg?v=1751037226"},{"product_id":"mozart-don-giovanni-jones-rysanek-siepi-alva-donath","title":"Mozart: Don Giovanni - Siepi, G. Jones, Alva, Donath, Lotte Rysanek, Fissore; Hager.  Wien, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCesare Siepi will always be associated with the role of Don Giovanni and this performance proves to back up that reputation.  He brings such suavity and charm to the role it is hard to tell if we aren't actually supposed to ultimately sympathize with the character.   He is joined by Gwyneth Jones who takes a rare turn in a Mozart role, a remarkable feat given that she was about to make her role debut as Brünnhilde in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e.   She does not let that get in her way of singing an sublime Donna Anna, full of refulgent tone and spot on fioratura.   Helen Donath sings a spritely Zerlina, Lotte Rysanek (Leonie's sister) delivers a wild Elvira (there is definitely a family resemblance in the tone) and Luigi Alva delivers a poised Don Ottavio.   The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10122-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292662644872,"sku":"10122-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098733572,"sku":"MP3 10122-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49137396646209,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10122-3front.jpg?v=1751037220"},{"product_id":"strauss-ariadne-auf-naxos-ludwig-grist-jurinac-schoffler","title":"Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos - Ludwig, Grist, Thomas, Jurinac, Schöffler, Feldhoff; Böhm. Salzburg, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance offers a rare treat – the opportunity to hear \u003cb\u003eChrista Ludwig\u003c\/b\u003e take on the role of Ariadne. A role she seldom sang, perhaps due to the challenges of its tessitura, but in this performance, she delivers with a vocal warmth and beauty that could easily make one wonder why she didn't embrace it more often. Her arias are rendered with an exquisite sense of phrasing, each note a testament to her mastery of line and lyricism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe is surrounded by a stellar cast. \u003cb\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/b\u003e as the Composer fills the role with youthful vitality. Meanwhile, \u003cb\u003eReri Grist\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a tantalizingly mischievous Zerbinetta, weaving a spell of lightness and charm, her vocal agility matching the role's dramatic demands. \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e, still in the bloom of his career, tackles the lofty demands of Bacchus with an admirable gusto, his tenor voice rising effortlessly through the stratosphere, adding a youthful exuberance to the performance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10480-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292661661832,"sku":"10146-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098810308,"sku":"MP3 10146-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10146-2front.jpg?v=1751037200"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-mastilovic-harper-meyer-lewis-mcintyre-kempe","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Mastilovic, Harper, Meyer, Lewis, McIntyre; Kempe.  London, 1973","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eElektra\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Strauss (1864–1949)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eElektra \u003c\/em\u003eis notable for the presence of two singers not especially associated with the opera: \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Harper\u003c\/strong\u003e as Chrysothemis and \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e as Klytämnestra. Harper’s voice lacks the steely edge often associated with Strauss, yet the auburn color of her tone and its distinctly Mozartian poise suggest a young woman driven toward emotional desperation by the grim circumstances surrounding her. Meyer, for her part, avoids exaggerated theatrics, instead offering a more inward account of Klytämnestra’s terror-laden dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the title role, \u003cstrong\u003eDanica Mastilovic\u003c\/strong\u003e meets the formidable demands of Elektra with stamina and commitment. While the performance may not place her among the most celebrated interpreters of the part, the accomplishment of sustaining the role’s punishing vocal and dramatic requirements remains considerable. In the pit, \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Kempe\u003c\/strong\u003e brings notable clarity and a sense of dramatic impetus to Strauss’s score.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErste Magd – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweite Magd – \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Begg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDritte Magd – \u003cstrong\u003eGillian Knight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVierte Magd – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Edwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFünfte Magd – \u003cstrong\u003eAlexandra Browning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAufseherin – \u003cstrong\u003eMilla Andrew\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElektra – \u003cstrong\u003eDanica Mastilovic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChrysothemis – \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Harper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlytämnestra – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVertraute – \u003cstrong\u003eUla van Wyk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchleppträgerin – \u003cstrong\u003eElena Davies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJunger Diener – \u003cstrong\u003eAdrian de Peyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlter Diener – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Statham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrest – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrests Erzieher – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard van Allan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eÄgisth – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Lewis\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\u003eOctober 26, 1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Kempe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10173-2\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":31292660711560,"sku":"10173-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099050116,"sku":"MP3 10173-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51481741099329,"sku":"FLAC 10173-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10173-2front_25833254-b94c-498d-a7ec-3de3779d2cf7.jpg?v=1773510135"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-jones-king-bernstein","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Jones, King, Crass, Adam, Popp, Dallapozza, Nienstedt; Bernstein.  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Under \u003cb\u003eLeonard Bernstein\u003c\/b\u003e's direction, Beethoven's monumental score soars. 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The resulting textures remain notably clear, allowing inner detail to emerge without sacrificing the work’s underlying gravity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e offers a notably lyrical Parsifal, his tone marked by a gentle, almost Mozartian sweetness that sets him apart from more overtly heroic interpretations. Alongside him, \u003cb\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/b\u003e presents a Kundry of quiet intensity, balancing allure with an undercurrent of unrest that never fully resolves until her redemption in the final moments of the opera. \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e, while not a true bass, brings a reflective nobility to Gurnemanz, shaping the role with sensitivity and gravitas. George London as Amfortas conveys the characters suffering with a visceral rawness unmatched by any other baritone in this role.\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\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORGE LONDON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eLUDWIG WEBER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHANS HOTTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eJESS THOMAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGUSTAV NEIDLINGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eIRENE DALIS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlto Stimme – \u003cstrong\u003eURSULA BÖSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eHARALD NEUKIRCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORG PASKUDA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGUNDULA JANOWITZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eANJA SILJA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eDOROTHEA SIEBERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eRITA BARTOS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eNIELS MOELLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10240-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\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":31292658417800,"sku":"10240-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099237380,"sku":"MP3 10240-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51698050269505,"sku":"FLAC 10240-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10240-4front.jpg?v=1777934134"},{"product_id":"strauss-ariadne-auf-naxos-jones-gruberova-schmidt-sawallisch","title":"Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos - Jones, Gruberova, Hopferwieser, Schmidt; Sawallisch.  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A stroke of casting genius, he was still performing roles like Tamino at the time, bringing a youthful freshness to Bacchus that is almost always absent. Given that the libretto repeatedly refers to him as \u003ci\u003eder junge Gott\u003c\/i\u003e (the young god), this feels like an interpretation close to what \u003cb\u003eStrauss\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eHofmannsthal\u003c\/b\u003e envisioned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLucine Amara\u003c\/b\u003e is equally compelling, with the role sitting squarely in the part of her voice where she excelled. Her impeccable sense of line and ability to spin luxurious pianissimi make a strong case for renewed appreciation of her artistry. \u003cb\u003eRita Streich\u003c\/b\u003e is utterly charming as Zerbinetta, her coloratura precise and dazzling, though one senses a touch of fatigue near the end of her aria. 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