{"title":"Overlooked Singers: Basses","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"der-ring-des-nibelungen-bohm-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Adam, Windgassen, Rysanek, King; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","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\u003eDespite the enormous achievement of the Solti \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e always maintained that she preferred her performance on the Böhm \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e issued by Philips from the 1966 and 1967 seasons at Bayreuth. She felt that there was an excitement that came through in this live performance which was lost in the many takes that Solti, ever the perfectionist, insisted upon. Although I love the Solti \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\u003e, I have always agreed with Nilsson in her assessment that Böhm's reading had a fire that Solti's technicolor \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e lacked. This performance comes from when the production was new and sports many of the same singers with a few interesting and welcome variations. Birgit Nilsson and \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e are simply brilliant as Brünnhilde and Siegfried. There was a chemistry that these two artists had together that created an electricity that was even greater than the sum of their combined artistry. \u003cb\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a wild, passionate Sieglinde and she is joined by \u003cb\u003eJames King\u003c\/b\u003e, who, in my opinion, is one of the greatest Siegmunds to ever have walked the earth. \u003cb\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/b\u003e takes on the younger Wotans while \u003cb\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/b\u003e sings the Wanderer in \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e. This practice has fallen out of favor somewhat, but it works well here since Adam's baritonal Wotan plays much younger than Josef Greindl's avuncular yet world-weary bass (in the Philips version Adam would sing all three Wotans). Other variations in casting from the Philips release all add up to net gains. \u003cb\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/b\u003e steps in as Erda and delivers rich earthy tones. \u003cb\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/b\u003e treats us to one of the most suave Hundings you are likely to hear anywhere and \u003cb\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/b\u003e takes the place of \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e as Waltraute. Despite my devotion to Mödl, Meyer's voice is much fresher than Mödl's. To go into depth on all the great singers who participated in this Cycle would take up more room than I permit myself in these blurbs, but additional kudos must go to \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e as Freia, \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e as one of the greatest Gunthers ever, \u003cb\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/b\u003e as Gutrune, and Martti Talvela's dignified Fasolt. \u003cb\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/b\u003e's fleet tempos give Wagner's massive orchestra a lightness that is difficult to achieve and whereas other conductors often get seduced by the lush colors of the orchestration, Böhm always lets the vocal line dictate the pacing, giving the singers a chance to sing the text with an organic quality more akin to the natural cadence of the German.\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\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonner – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFroh – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Olvis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLoge – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreia – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eDorothea Siebert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eJames King\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eDanica Mastilovic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eIsabella Duran\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eGertraud Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eLiana Synek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schärtel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRossweise – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarethe Bence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eErika Köth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eDorothea Siebert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\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\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 25, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 26, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 28, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 30, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10910-12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e12\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":31292667035784,"sku":"10910-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098661572,"sku":"MP3 10910-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080008626497,"sku":"FLAC 10910-12","price":63.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080008659265,"sku":"FLACUP 10910-12","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10910-12front.jpg?v=1751037337"},{"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":"\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\u003eOf the performances of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/span\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. \u003cb\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003eMarianne Schech\u003c\/b\u003e, 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. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e highlights the lyricism of the Emperor even during some of the most athletic singing. \u003cb\u003eJosef Metternich\u003c\/b\u003e's approach to Barak is similarly lyrical, making for some very beautiful moments in Act III when he is searching for his wife.\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\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKaiserin – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmme – \u003cstrong\u003eLilian Benningsen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBarak – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Metternich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFärberin – \u003cstrong\u003eMarianne Schech\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeisterbote – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErscheinung eines Jünglings – \u003cstrong\u003eHoward Vanderburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStimme des Falken – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Sommerschuh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStimme von Oben – \u003cstrong\u003eIna Gerhein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEinäugige – \u003cstrong\u003eCarl Hoppe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEinarmige – \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Wünzer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBucklige – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ostertag\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Hüter der Schwelle des Tempels – \u003cstrong\u003eErika Köth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1954\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Kempe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10940-3\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080008560961,"sku":"FLAC 10940-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080008593729,"sku":"FLACUP 10940-3","price":2.95,"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-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-greindl-wohlfahrt-neidlinger-bohme-chookasian-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Nilsson, Greindl, Wohlfahrt, Neidlinger, Böhme, Chookasian; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer --\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\u003eJust a year before the famous Philips release of the Böhm \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e, this performance proves to be a very satisfying dry-run. The cast is almost identical with the very notable exception of \u003cb\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/b\u003e as the Wanderer. Greindl's voice could not have been more different than his colleague, \u003cb\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/b\u003e, who would take over the role the following year. Greindl was a true bass and with a black color which made him a fantastic Hagen. Surprisingly he displays a softer side as the Elder Wotan and copes remarkably with the higher parts of this role. \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e takes the title role. Windgassen sounds as fresh as ever and creates a Siegfried that leans more towards inexperienced hero as opposed to spoiled brat. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e is well worth the wait in her final scene. The voice seems to have endless power and security on top and she seems to relish holding the final C as long as possible. It is also worth mentioning \u003cb\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/b\u003e whose brief appearance as Erda in Act III is quite memorable. (She was not featured on the Philips release.)\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\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eLili Chookasian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eErika Köth\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\u003eJuly 28, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10908-3\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":31292666806408,"sku":"10908-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251524,"sku":"MP3 10908-3","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080008888641,"sku":"FLAC 10908-3","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080008921409,"sku":"FLACUP 10908-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10908-3front.jpg?v=1751037330"},{"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":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSings Wagner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is a regret of mine that the great \u003cb\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\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 \u003cb\u003eSigurd Bjoerling\u003c\/b\u003e. 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 \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\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 \u003cb\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eKenneth Schon\u003c\/b\u003e (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.\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\u003eParsifal\u003c\/strong\u003e — Act I (partial) \u0026amp; Act II\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Weber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Knight – \u003cstrong\u003eThorstein Hannesson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Esquire – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Esquire – \u003cstrong\u003eAdele Leigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Knight – \u003cstrong\u003eRhydderch Davies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eKirsten Flagstad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThird Esquire – \u003cstrong\u003eWilliam McAlpine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFourth Esquire – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Cameron\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Lechleitner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlower Maidens – \u003cstrong\u003eAdele Leigh\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ePatricia Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLeonne Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAudrey Bowman\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eBlanche Turner\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Howitt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/strong\u003e — Act III (partial)\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eKenneth Schon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eKirsten Flagstad\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;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e, 1951\u003cbr\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eCovent Garden, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 16, 1951\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e, 1949\u003cbr\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eCovent Garden, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 2, 1949\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Rankl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10921-3\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080010002753,"sku":"FLAC 10921-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080010035521,"sku":"FLACUP 10921-3","price":2.95,"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-parsifal-hofmann-randova-sotin-weikl-mazura-ridderbusch-stein-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Hofmann, Randova, Sotin, Weikl, Mazura, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\u003eFor those of you who have come to remember \u003cb\u003ePeter Hofmann\u003c\/b\u003e as a tenor whose voice never quite lived up to his physical appearance, you should give this early performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e a try. Hofmann's voice has the same kind of burly lyricism as a young \u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e. Sadly, like Thomas, that youthful sheen began to wear off as he started making recordings, leaving a legacy that is not entirely fair to his actual talents. \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e is one of the wilder Kundrys I have heard and although it is exciting singing, I found myself wishing that she would occasionally paint with smaller strokes. \u003cb\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/b\u003e's mellifluous bass gives his Gurnemanz a youthful quality and the same can be said for \u003cb\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/b\u003e's Amfortas.although there are a few brief drop-outs.\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\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Hofmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Mazura\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Gralsritter – \u003cstrong\u003eHeribert Steinbach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. Gralsritter – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Feldhoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1. Knappe – \u003cstrong\u003eCarol Richardson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2. Knappe – \u003cstrong\u003eAdelheid Krauss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3. Knappe – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4. Knappe – \u003cstrong\u003eMartin Egel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsors Zaubermädchen – \u003cstrong\u003eRachel Yakar\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eCarol Richardson\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAdelheid Krauss\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eYoko Kawahara\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eIrja Auroora\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAlicia Nafé\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAltsolo – \u003cstrong\u003eOrtrun Wenkel\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\u003e1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10923-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665888904,"sku":"10923-4","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099231236,"sku":"MP3 10923-4","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080010068289,"sku":"FLAC 10923-4","price":20.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080010101057,"sku":"FLACUP 10923-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10923-4front_ba8e0fcb-67f3-45c4-9186-72d38873b3fe.jpg?v=1751037309"},{"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":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eRienzi\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\u003eAlthough \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRienzi\u003c\/span\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 makes for some stirring choruses and ensembles as well as some beautiful arias, in addition to the famous \"Prayer\", including Adriano's \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Gerechter Gott…\"\u003c\/span\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. \u003cb\u003eJohn Mitchinson\u003c\/b\u003e brings a burly tone and solid technique to the title role. \u003cb\u003eLorna Haywood\u003c\/b\u003e 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. \u003cb\u003eEdward Downes\u003c\/b\u003e leads a performance that favors broad tempi without shortchanging the energetic and rousing ensembles.\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\u003eRienzi – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Mitchinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdriano – \u003cstrong\u003eLorna Haywood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIrene – \u003cstrong\u003eLois McDonald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColonna – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrsini – \u003cstrong\u003eRaimund Herincx\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRaimondo – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBaroncelli – \u003cstrong\u003eAdrian de Peyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCecco del Vecchio – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Hudson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMessenger of Peace – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Gale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHerald – \u003cstrong\u003eBrian Cookson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 27, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eEdward Downes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10915-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080010330433,"sku":"FLAC 10915-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080010363201,"sku":"FLACUP 10915-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10915-4front.jpg?v=1751037305"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-lindholm-ward-wennberg-brilioth-ericson-kempe-stockholm-1975","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Lindholm, Ward, Wennberg, Brilioth, Ericson; Kempe.  Stockholm, 1975","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\u003eThis performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e does a lot to speak for the native Wagnerian forces in Sweden during the 1970s. \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e in the title role strikes the perfect balance between Brünnhilde the warrior, and Brünnhilde the teenager. Her slender yet steely soprano cuts easily through the orchestra throughout her entire range. No less youthful in vocal quality, \u003cb\u003eHelge Brilioth\u003c\/b\u003e delivers one of the more lyrical Winterstürmes you are likely to hear. \u003cb\u003eSiv Wennberg\u003c\/b\u003e is the real discovery on this recording. Her career was based mostly in Sweden but she demonstrates that she could have held her own on any stage, bringing to my mind a young \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e, the one import in this cast, delivers a stoic and moving Wotan despite being slightly past his prime. \u003cb\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/b\u003e is a wild and appropriately shrewish Fricka. \u003cb\u003eRudolf Kempe\u003c\/b\u003e gives Wagner's dense orchestration an almost effortless quality that is at times remarkably transparent.\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\u003eHelge Brilioth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eSiv Wennberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eRolf Cederlöf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMargareta Hallin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eSolweig Linström\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eDorrit Kleimert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eLaila Andersson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eEdith Thallaug\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eGunilla Söderström\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eIlleana Peterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eThe Royal Opera, Stockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Kempe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10970-3\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":31292665725064,"sku":"10970-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099209220,"sku":"MP3 10970-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080010428737,"sku":"FLAC 10970-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080010461505,"sku":"FLACUP 10970-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10970-3front.jpg?v=1751037298"},{"product_id":"manon-moffo-gedda-sordello","title":"Massenet: Manon - Moffo, Gedda, Sordello, Flagello, Franke; Guadagno. 1963","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\nManon Lescaut – \u003cstrong\u003eAnna Moffo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChevalier des Grieux – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolai Gedda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLescaut – \u003cstrong\u003eEnzo Sordello\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nComte des Grieux – \u003cstrong\u003eEzio Flagello\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGuillot de Morfontaine – \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Franke\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\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Guadagno\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10027-2\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":31292664971400,"sku":"10027-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Massenet-Jules_18a85c0c-6354-4f87-9259-57028abef9bb.png?v=1782509392"},{"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":"hindemith-mathis-der-maler-cassilly","title":"Hindemith: Mathis der Maler - Cassilly, H. Hofmann, Sotin, Marschner, Troyanos; Mackerras.  Hamburg, 1968","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\nKardinal – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Cassilly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMathis – \u003cstrong\u003eHubert Hofmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDomdechant – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRat des Kardinals – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Marschner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRiedinger – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Wiemann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHans Schwalb – \u003cstrong\u003eWilly Hartmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTruchsess von Waldburg – \u003cstrong\u003eCarl Schultz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSylvester von Schaumberg – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Hoppe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUrsula – \u003cstrong\u003eEnriqueta Tarrés\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRegina – \u003cstrong\u003eRia Urban\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nGräfin von Helfenstein – \u003cstrong\u003eTatiana Troyanos\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\u003eHamburgische Staatsoper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 8, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eCharles Mackerras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10168-2\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":31292660842632,"sku":"10168-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Hindemith-Paul_5d1bcfdc-2058-440a-8eca-f2d827fe5236.png?v=1782509829"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-jones-king-bernstein","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Jones, King, Crass, Adam, Popp, Dallapozza, Nienstedt; Bernstein.  Wien, 1970","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\u003eIn her earlier years, \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e emerged as perhaps the ideal Leonore, capturing both the dramatic depth and classical poise required for Beethoven's only opera. Her voice—already brimming with dramatic potential—remained agile and credible within the classical repertoire, making her portrayal both powerful and authentic. Opposite her, \u003cb\u003eJames King\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a masterclass in vocal ease, his thrilling stentorian tone and effortless production lending a heroic weight to his performance. The supporting cast shines as well: \u003cb\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/b\u003e brings a delightful energy to Marzelline, her bubbly charm perfectly offsetting the opera's weightier themes, while \u003cb\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/b\u003e lends a warm and avuncular presence as Rocco, grounding the story with his rich bass. Under \u003cb\u003eLeonard Bernstein\u003c\/b\u003e's direction, Beethoven's monumental score soars. Bernstein highlights the work's vast emotional scope and architectural brilliance, bringing to life the triumph of love, justice, and freedom that lies at the heart of \u003ci\u003eFidelio\u003c\/i\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\u003eLeonore – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlorestan – \u003cstrong\u003eJames King\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePizarro – \u003cstrong\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRocco – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eLucia Popp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJaquino – \u003cstrong\u003eAdolf Dallapozza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFernando – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\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, 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eLeonard Bernstein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10175-2\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":31292660613256,"sku":"10175-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098596228,"sku":"MP3 10175-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49813958689089,"sku":"FLAC 10175-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011149633,"sku":"FLACUP 10175-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12144-2front.jpg?v=1751037175"},{"product_id":"verdi-don-carlo-lang-dalis-kozub-sotin","title":"Verdi: Don Carlo (In German) - Lang, Kozub, Dalis, Wolansky, Sotin; Ludwig.  Hamburg, 1968","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\nElisabetta di Valois – \u003cstrong\u003eEdith Lang\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLa principessa Eboli – \u003cstrong\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDon Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRodrigo – \u003cstrong\u003eRaymond Wolansky\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFilippo II – \u003cstrong\u003eArnold van Mill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIl Grande Inquisitore – \u003cstrong\u003eRolf Kühne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nUn Frate – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDeputy – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Grundheber\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\u003eHamburgische Staatsoper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 2, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eLeopold Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10209-2\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":31292659597448,"sku":"10209-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_3d2046b0-1a8e-488b-b3ec-69c37e6951bc.png?v=1782509904"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-thomas-dalis-hotter-london-knappertsbusch","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Thomas, Dalis, Hotter, Weber, London, Neidlinger; Knappertsbusch.  Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\u003eLovers of this opera have long treasured the Phillips set conducted by \u003cb\u003eHans Knappertsbusch.\u003c\/b\u003e This performance of \u003ci\u003eParsifal\u003c\/i\u003e draws on much the same cast, offering a closely related yet distinct perspective. Knappertsbusch shapes the score with a remarkable sense of breadth, at times suspending the musical flow in near stillness, only to summon a sudden surge of power from the orchestra. The resulting textures remain notably clear, allowing inner detail to emerge without sacrificing the work’s underlying gravity.\u003c\/p\u003e \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 \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\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 \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \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 \u003c\/div\u003e \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},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011313473,"sku":"FLACUP 10240-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10240-4front.jpg?v=1777934134"},{"product_id":"flotow-martha-lipp-kmentt-bohme","title":"von Flotow: Martha - Lipp, Kmentt, Böhme, Plumacher; Gierster.  München, 1955","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\nMartha – \u003cstrong\u003eWilma Lipp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNancy – \u003cstrong\u003eHetty Plumacher\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLord Mickleford – \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Wunzer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLionel – \u003cstrong\u003eWaldemar Kmentt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlunkett – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\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\u003eBayerisches Staatsoper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1955\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHans Gierster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10263-2\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":31292657664136,"sku":"10263-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Flotow-Friedrich_466b0505-0adf-4a0a-8068-a6b1852a9e10.png?v=1782510065"},{"product_id":"wagner-lohengrin-kollo-bode-dvorakova-mcintyre-crass","title":"Wagner: Lohengrin - Kollo, Bode, Dvorakova, McIntyre, Crass, Wixell; Varviso. Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLohengrin\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 of \u003cem\u003eLohengrin\u003c\/em\u003e is especially valuable for capturing \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e at the outset of his career, when his voice possessed equal measures of sweetness and power, making him an ideal Lohengrin. Kollo presents an ethereal, otherworldly knight, offering some of the most exquisitely beautiful singing one could hope to hear from a Heldentenor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI had always thought of \u003cstrong\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/strong\u003e as something of a second-tier singer, but her Elsa completely won me over. She displays a rock-solid technique and complete command of Wagner's demanding vocal writing. \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvořáková\u003c\/strong\u003e radiates seductive menace as Ortrud, never allowing the dramatic demands of the role to detract from the inherent beauty of her tone. \u003cstrong\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e is heard here as Telramund with his voice still fresh, before the tone acquired the woollier quality that would characterize his later years. \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e brings the same nobility and elegance to King Heinrich that distinguished his celebrated Sarastro. I would also be remiss not to acknowledge the superb Herald of \u003cstrong\u003eIngvar Wixell\u003c\/strong\u003e.\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\u003eHeinrich der Vogler – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLohengrin – \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElsa von Brabant – \u003cstrong\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFriedrich von Telramund – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtrud – \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvořáková\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDer Heerrufer des Königs – \u003cstrong\u003eIngvar Wixell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVier Edle – \u003cstrong\u003eHeribert Steinbach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVier Edle – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVier Edle – \u003cstrong\u003eRudolf Hartmann-Gniffke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVier Edle – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Feldhoff\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\u003eJuly 25, 1971\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSilvio Varviso\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10267-3\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\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292657533064,"sku":"10267-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":52014702821697,"sku":"MP3 10267-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52014702854465,"sku":"FLAC 10267-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011510081,"sku":"FLACUP 10267-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10267-3front.jpg?v=1784901616"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-stolze-solti","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Ward, Nilsson, Stolze, Kraus; Solti.  London, 1962","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\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\u003eAs with the \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e from the following season, this performance of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e carries the impression of a preparatory effort for the later Decca studio recording. Under \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e, the reading is notably driven—at times strikingly swift, even within the span of three discs—yet the urgency rarely feels imposed for its own sake. Instead, it appears to galvanize the cast, who respond with a marked sense of assurance in their respective roles.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e brings a notably youthful timbre to the title role, sustaining a freshness of tone that remains intact from beginning to end—no small achievement in so demanding a part. If the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e is a marathon, then the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e is a fifty-yard dash. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e seems to relish the challenge of entering at full tilt, as if leaping onto a speeding train without the luxury of warming up on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne can hardly overstate the artistry of \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e, whose Mime emerges as both deeply menacing and, at moments, unexpectedly sympathetic. It is a portrayal that deserves far more consistent recognition in discussions of great Wagner singers. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e gives a finely measured performance as Wotan, marked by steadiness and musical intelligence.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Rouleau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Siewert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stimme des Waldvogels – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Holt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 7, 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10293-3\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":31292656681096,"sku":"10293-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251716,"sku":"MP3 10293-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51541952037185,"sku":"FLAC 10293-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080011706689,"sku":"FLACUP 10293-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10293-3front.jpg?v=1774618388"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-kuchta-beirer-hoffman-crass-leitner","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Kuchta, Beirer, Hoffman, Alexander, Crass, Mastromei; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1963","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\nTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eGrace Hoffmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eGiampiero Mastromei\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\u003eBuenos Aires\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFerdinand Leitner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10348-3\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":31292654354568,"sku":"10348-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_2ee3c618-5204-4ac1-9087-009c38b7fe35.png?v=1782510391"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-fliegende-hollander-jones-ward-frick-solti","title":"Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer - Ward, Jones, Frick, Prybil, Bainbridge, MCDonald; Solti.  London, 1966","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\nSenta – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHolländer – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nErik – \u003cstrong\u003eVilem Pribyl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDaland – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMary – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSteuermann – \u003cstrong\u003eKENNETH McDONALD\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\u003eRoyal Opera House, Covent Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary 4, 1966\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10356-2\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":31292650848392,"sku":"10356-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_6aadca67-f98b-4184-b1c4-f064ed1cf2be.png?v=1782510446"},{"product_id":"verdi-aida-valkki-svanholm-ericson-ehriling","title":"Verdi: Aida - Välkki, Svanholm, Ericson, Björling; Ehlring. Stockholm, 1960","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\nAida – \u003cstrong\u003eAnita Välkki\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmneris – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRadamès – \u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAmonasro – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRamfis – \u003cstrong\u003eErik Saeden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIl Rè – \u003cstrong\u003eArne Tyren\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSacerdotessa – \u003cstrong\u003eEva Pritz\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\u003eRoyal Opera House, Stockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 4, 1960\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSixten Ehrling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10366-2\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":31292650094728,"sku":"10366-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Verdi-Giuseppe_e980f074-2c23-405d-813c-d6685e54f667.png?v=1782510481"},{"product_id":"nielsen-saul-og-david-bjorling-ericson","title":"Nielsen: Saul og David - S. Björling, Billengren, Oehm, Lundberg, Ericson; Mann. Stockholm, 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\nSaul – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Bjoerling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJonathan – \u003cstrong\u003eLars Billengren\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMikal – \u003cstrong\u003eMarianne Oehm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDavid – \u003cstrong\u003eUno Ebrelius\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSamuel – \u003cstrong\u003eJoel Berglund\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAbner – \u003cstrong\u003eBo Lundberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAbisai – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Nerbe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Witch of Endor – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbro Ericson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA Young Girl – \u003cstrong\u003eInga-Lill Sannerid\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nReciter – \u003cstrong\u003eTora Teje\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\u003eStockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 16 \u0026amp; 17, 1957\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eTor Mann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10374-2\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":31292649865352,"sku":"10374-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Nielsen-Carl_906d43d8-ea7e-403a-a525-4e45f4cd8fd5.png?v=1782510515"},{"product_id":"strauss-der-rosenkavalier-crespin-meyer-rothenberger-wunderlich-wallberg","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Crespin, Meyer, Rotheberger, Böhme, Wunderlich; Wallberg. Buenos Aires, 1961","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\nDie Feldmarschallin – \u003cstrong\u003eRégine Crespin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBaron Ochs – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOctavian – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHerr von Faninal – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Friedrich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSophie – \u003cstrong\u003eAnneliese Rothenberger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEin Sänger – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Wunderlich\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\u003eTeatro Colón, Buenos Aires\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 8, 1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Wallberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10403-3\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":31292648816776,"sku":"10403-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Strauss-Richard_a28195b3-0f1c-4929-94e6-07870f1acd4d.png?v=1782510636"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-calio-schroder-feinen-adam-crass-moll-sawallisch","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Calio, Schröder-Feinen, Adam, Crass, Moll, Nienstedt; Sawallisch. Roma, 1970","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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 was initially attracted to this recording of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e for the Kundry of \u003cb\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/b\u003e, an artist that I discovered rather late in my opera game and feel robbed because of it. Her soprano was lean but voluptuous and her Kundry is sultry and mysterious. \u003cb\u003eTimo Calio\u003c\/b\u003e sings Parsifal with masculine burnished tones. He is quite ideal if slightly wooden. \u003cb\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/b\u003e' voice is creamy and luscious as Gurnemanz and his character conveys great warmth. \u003cb\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/b\u003e is Amfortas and \u003cb\u003eKurt Moll\u003c\/b\u003e is a luxury in the short part of Titurel. \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/b\u003e leads a surprisingly brisk performance which makes it on to 3 CDs, a true rarity for a recording of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e (the only other I can think of is the Boulez.) \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Ich sah das Kind\"\u003c\/span\u003e in particular has a drive to it that I have never heard before, making the climaxes all the more ecstatic.\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\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eTimo Calio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Schröder-Feinen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eTheo Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Moll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlto Stimme – \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Fonesca\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGerlinde Lorenz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eOlive Fredricks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eManfred Schmidt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Van Vrooman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGerlinde Lorenz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Vogel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eOlive Fredricks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eUte Vinzing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eCarole Malone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Fonesca\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Veguran\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eRolf Becker\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\u003e1970\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Sawallisch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10479-3\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":31292646031496,"sku":"10479-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099229764,"sku":"MP3 10479-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50403381444929,"sku":"FLAC 10479-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080012493121,"sku":"FLACUP 10479-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10479-3front.jpg?v=1751036904"},{"product_id":"smetana-dalibor-weathers-konya-nienstedt-kubelik","title":"Smetana: Dalibor (In German) - Weathers, Kónya, Nienstedt, Crass; Kubelik.  München, 1969","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eDalibor\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBedřich Smetana (1824–1884)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is surprising that, despite the worldwide revival of Czech opera—particularly the works of Janáček—\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDalibor\u003c\/span\u003e remains a rarity. The music is deeply romantic, infused with the stirring nationalist qualities that make \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFidelio\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRienzi\u003c\/span\u003e so compelling. This recording makes a strong case for the opera, especially with \u003cstrong\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/strong\u003e in the title role, his voice balancing heroism and elegance. \u003cstrong\u003eFelicia Weathers\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Milada, seizes every opportunity to unleash her power, delivering a thrilling performance. If you are unfamiliar with this opera, this is an excellent place to start, and if you already know it, you will appreciate the stellar cast—many of whom were under-recorded.\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\u003eDalibor – \u003cstrong\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMilada – \u003cstrong\u003eFelicia Weathers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJitka – \u003cstrong\u003eElsie Morison\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVitek – \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Wilhelm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVladislav II – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeneš – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBudivoj – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Friedrich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Judge – \u003cstrong\u003eTheodor Nicolai\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eMünchen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch, 1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eRafael Kubelik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10513-2\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\u003cstrong\u003eIn German\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644950152,"sku":"10513-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098808196,"sku":"MP3 10513-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080013279553,"sku":"FLAC 10513-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080013312321,"sku":"FLACUP 10513-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10513-2front.jpg?v=1751036868"},{"product_id":"verdi-la-forza-del-destino-tinsley-smith-garrard-hammond-stroud-balkwill","title":"Verdi: La Forza del destino (In English) - Tinsley, Smith, Bickerstaff, Garrard, Hammond-Stroud; Balkwill. London, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eLa Forza del destino\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\u003eIn this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Forza del destino\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ePauline Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e reaffirms her remarkable versatility as a singer. Her voice is astonishing, combining exceptional clarity with impressive size, and she possessed as fine a top as any dramatic soprano could hope for—both thrilling and secure. She is joined by \u003cstrong\u003eDonald Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e as Don Alvaro, whose voice blends the steel of a great spinto tenor with the elegance of an English tenor, creating a striking balance.\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\u003eLeonora – \u003cstrong\u003ePauline Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Alvaro – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDon Carlo – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Bickerstaff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePadre Guardiano – \u003cstrong\u003eDon Garrard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFra Melitone – \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreziosilla – \u003cstrong\u003eJoyce Blackham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarchese di Calatrava – \u003cstrong\u003eEric Stannard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTrabucco – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Fryatt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eSadler's Wells, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eBryan Balkwill\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10518-3\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\u003cstrong\u003eIn English\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644819080,"sku":"10518-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099114372,"sku":"MP3 10518-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080013443393,"sku":"FLAC 10518-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080013476161,"sku":"FLACUP 10518-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10518-3front.jpg?v=1751036864"},{"product_id":"bartok-bluebeard-castle-lear-ward-boulez","title":"Bartok: Bluebeard's Castle (In English) - Lear, Ward; Boulez. London, 1975","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eBluebeard's Castle\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBéla Bartók (1881–1945)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eBluebeard's Castle\u003c\/span\u003e features the great bass \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e in the title role, joined by \u003cb\u003eEvelyn Lear\u003c\/b\u003e. Both deliver their lines with crisp diction, effectively capturing the mystery and tension that permeate Bartók's score.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe orchestra is the third, and perhaps most important, character in the drama, charged with creating a sense of mood and atmosphere in a way few other operas require. In this regard, \u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e leads a performance that is both haunting and vividly descriptive.\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\u003eBluebeard – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJudith – \u003cstrong\u003eEvelyn Lear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpeaker – \u003cstrong\u003eRobert Edison\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1975\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10529-1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292644524168,"sku":"10529-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098595140,"sku":"MP3 10529-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080013902145,"sku":"FLAC 10529-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080013934913,"sku":"FLACUP 10529-1","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10529-1front.jpg?v=1751036854"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-ligendza-hopf-balzani-neidlinger-sotin-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Hopf, Ligendza, Baldani, Neidlinger, Sotin, Dermota; C. Kleiber.  Wien, 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\u003eThe undeniable star of this recording is the conductor, \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it remains a great loss that he confined himself to such a limited operatic repertoire, the works he cherished—\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e—received performances of extraordinary nuance and insight under his baton. His approach to the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/span\u003e is a prime example, beginning with an almost ethereal transparency in the pianos and building an exquisitely controlled crescendo toward the final, resplendent climax.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cast is strong as well. \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e, a frequent Isolde in Kleiber’s performances, seems entirely in sync with his vision. Her voice leans toward the lighter side, which lends her portrayal an unusual sense of approachability. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e, while impressive in the dramatic outbursts, struggles when required to sing softly, with occasional lapses in pitch. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a rich, resonant presence to Marke, while \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Kurwenal, though somewhat gruff, remains consistently compelling from a dramatic standpoint.\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\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eRuza Baldani\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarke – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Helm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteuermann – \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Tichy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHirt – \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Nitsche\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeemann – \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\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\u003eOctober 7, 1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10561-3\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 \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eCatarina Ligendza sings the Liebestod from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBayreuth, 1976. Carlos Kleiber, conductor\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643180680,"sku":"10561-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099258884,"sku":"MP3 10561-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080015606081,"sku":"FLAC 10561-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080015638849,"sku":"FLACUP 10561-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10561-3front.jpg?v=1751036813"},{"product_id":"mozart-die-zauberflote-price-burrows-bryn-jones-ward-deutekom-robinson","title":"Mozart: Die Zauberflöte - M. Price, Burrows, Deutekom, Bryn-Jones, Ward, Robinson; Wisch.  London, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eThe Magic Flute\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\u003eThere is a certain cynicism that can develop toward \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThe Magic Flute\u003c\/span\u003e, perhaps due to the frequent, half-hearted revivals staged primarily to fill seats and boost opera company revenues. That is precisely why performances like this—ones that remind us of Mozart’s genius and the opera’s enduring magic—are so vital.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis recording presents an excellent English translation (albeit one that does not gloss over the opera’s problematic elements.) The young \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Price\u003c\/strong\u003e is radiant as Pamina, her voice opulent and effortless. \u003cstrong\u003eStuart Burrows\u003c\/strong\u003e brings dignity and elegance to Tamino. \u003cstrong\u003eCristina Deutekom’s\u003c\/strong\u003e Queen of the Night is simply awe-inspiring—imagine the power of an \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eElektra-\u003c\/span\u003esized voice with astonishing coloratura and a thrilling high F.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers Sarastro’s lines with mellifluous warmth and commanding gravitas. However, the true standout of this glittering cast may be \u003cstrong\u003eDelme Bryn-Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e. His magnificent voice, capable of rivaling the greatest baritones of any era, is well known to those familiar with his work. What is surprising, however, is his impeccable comedic timing—his delivery in the trial scene, quipping, \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"Do you know all these tests could put a man off birds for life!\"\u003c\/span\u003e (a witty pun on the slang for women), feels right out of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eFawlty Towers\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eMonty Python\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith an excellent cast, superb sound quality, and a performance that proves opera in English can be both thrilling and relevant, this recording has the power to convert even the staunchest purist.\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\u003eTamino – \u003cstrong\u003eStuart Burrows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePapageno – \u003cstrong\u003eDelme Bryn-Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Queen of Night – \u003cstrong\u003eCristina Deutekom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePamina – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSarastro – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Lady – \u003cstrong\u003eAva June\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Lady – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Howells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThird Lady – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMonostatos – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Boy – \u003cstrong\u003eSimon Woolf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Boy – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThird Boy – \u003cstrong\u003eGiovanni Ferrari\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Priest – \u003cstrong\u003eForbes Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Priest – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePapagena – \u003cstrong\u003eJenifer Eddy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst Man in Armor – \u003cstrong\u003eEdgar Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Man in Armor – \u003cstrong\u003eDennis Wicks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Wisch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10571-2\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\u003cstrong\u003eIn English\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292642885768,"sku":"10571-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098728836,"sku":"MP3 10571-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080016032065,"sku":"FLAC 10571-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080016064833,"sku":"FLACUP 10571-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10571-2front.jpg?v=1751036797"},{"product_id":"bellini-puritani-sutherland-filacuridi-blanc-sinclair-gui","title":"Bellini: I Puritani - Sutherland, Filacuridi, Blanc, Modesti, Sinclair, Ward; Gui.  Glyndebourne, 1960","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis recording captures \u003cstrong\u003eDame Joan Sutherland’s\u003c\/strong\u003e role debut as Elvira in \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eI Puritani\u003c\/span\u003e, a role that would become one of her most celebrated. Her performance is simply astounding—few sopranos in recorded history have combined such precision in florid passages with such opulent tone. \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Filacuridi\u003c\/strong\u003e brings remarkable security to Arturo, while \u003cstrong\u003eErnest Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e lend their considerable talents to Riccardo and Walton.\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\u003eElvira – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Sutherland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLord Arturo Talbo – \u003cstrong\u003eNicola Filacuridi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSir Riccardo Forth – \u003cstrong\u003eErnest Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSir Giorgio – \u003cstrong\u003eGiuseppe Modesti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnrichetta di Francia – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalton – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBruno – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Kentish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eGlyndebourne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 18, 1960\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eVittorio Gui\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10593-2\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":31292642197640,"sku":"10593-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098605316,"sku":"MP3 10593-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50079848104257,"sku":"FLAC 10593-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080017113409,"sku":"FLACUP 10593-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10593-2front.jpg?v=1751036769"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-dvorakova-bjoner-fliethner-kozub-veasey-downes","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Dvorakova, Fliether, Bjoner, Kozub, Veasey, Böhme; Downes.  London, 1967","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eIt’s remarkable how much great Wagner was emerging from London in the 1960s. Perhaps it was the influence of \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e, or simply an influx of fresh talent, but whatever the reason, audiences were treated to outstanding performances year after year — and this performance is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe cast features a roster of singers woefully underrepresented on recording. \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvořáková\u003c\/strong\u003e is exceptional in the title role. It’s almost baffling how a singer with such a contralto-like vocal color could manage such reliability in the upper register. \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a radiant and winsome Sieglinde, beautifully paired with the Siegmund of \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e. Both singers possessed lyrical instruments with a kind of built-in vocal overdrive, making Wagner’s frequent outbursts thrilling without sacrificing the essential lyricism woven into his writing.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerbert Fliether\u003c\/strong\u003e proves himself a Wotan of real substance. While it’s hard to gauge the size of his voice from this recording, the essential vocal qualities of a great Wotan are unmistakably present. He sings with full-bodied tone throughout the evening, never resorting to pushing, even in Wotan’s notoriously punishing final lines — a moment that has defeated more than a few baritones.\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\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvořáková\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHerbert Fliether\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHunding – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAva June\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Kingsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eVivien Townley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eNoreen Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003ePatricia Purcell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 3, 1967\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eEdward Downes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10599-3\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":31292641509512,"sku":"10599-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099201988,"sku":"MP3 10599-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50262641017153,"sku":"FLAC 10599-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080017441089,"sku":"FLACUP 10599-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10599-3front.jpg?v=1751036762"},{"product_id":"wagner-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-neidlinger-watson-crass-konya-leitner","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Neidlinger, Watson, Konya, Crass; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eWagner aficionados might find the idea of \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e as Hans Sachs a bit surprising, given his strong association with Wagnerian villains like Alberich and Klingsor. While he may not convey the nobility of \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e or the vocal richness of \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e, Neidlinger uses his gruff baritone to emphasize the everyman quality of the cobbler—a fitting reflection of the opera’s core message.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeidlinger’s renowned acting skills, which earned him a reputation as one of the leading character baritones of his time, are fully on display here. He imbues Sachs’s prose with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. He is joined by \u003cstrong\u003eClaire Watson\u003c\/strong\u003e, who is sublime as Eva, and \u003cstrong\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/strong\u003e as Walther von Stolzing. For this role, a tenor needs to effortlessly bridge the gap between a Wagnerian and Italianate style, and Kónya excels at this as always. \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e also delivers a splendid performance as Veit Pogner.\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\u003eHans Sachs – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalther von Stolzing – \u003cstrong\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEva – \u003cstrong\u003eClaire Watson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMagdalene – \u003cstrong\u003eAdriana Cantelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDavid – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVeit Pogner – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKunz Vogelgesang – \u003cstrong\u003eEugenio Valori\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKonrad Nachtigall – \u003cstrong\u003eGiampietro Mastromei\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSixtus Beckmesser – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFritz Kothner – \u003cstrong\u003eAngel Mattiello\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBalthasar Zorn – \u003cstrong\u003eHoracio Mastrango\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUlrich Esslinger – \u003cstrong\u003eNicolas Cuttone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAugustin Moser – \u003cstrong\u003eEnzo Betti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHermann Ortel – \u003cstrong\u003eRicardo Yost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Schwarz – \u003cstrong\u003eTulio Gagliardo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Foltz – \u003cstrong\u003eMario Verazzi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEin Nachtwächter – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Maddalena\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBuenos Aires\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 27, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFerdinand Leitner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10603-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292641378440,"sku":"10603-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099227972,"sku":"MP3 10603-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080017670465,"sku":"FLAC 10603-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080017703233,"sku":"FLACUP 10603-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10603-4front.jpg?v=1751036757"},{"product_id":"wagner-lohengrin-domingo-saunders-hesse-sotin","title":"Wagner: Lohengrin - Domingo, Saunders, Hesse, Ohanesian, Sotin; Kuntzsch.  Hamburg, 1968","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\u003eThis recording captures \u003cstrong\u003ePlácido Domingo's\u003c\/strong\u003e first venture into Wagnerian repertoire with his portrayal of Lohengrin. While Lohengrin is among the most lyrical of Wagner’s tenor roles, it demands a distinct vocal approach far removed from the repertoire that made Domingo famous.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn many respects, Domingo rises admirably to the challenge. Although the role does not extend beyond an A natural, it lies primarily within the passaggio, a notoriously taxing area for tenors. Singing Lohengrin effectively requires a purity of tone closer to Mozart than Verdi, and Domingo skillfully reins in his oversized, baritonal tenor for these passages. At the same time, he unleashes thrilling squillo when the role demands it.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArlene Saunders\u003c\/strong\u003e brings her ethereal soprano to the role of Elsa. Saunders chose the stability of a Fest singer position in Hamburg over the jet-set life of an international opera star—a decision that makes sense but remains regrettable, as hers was truly a world-class instrument. \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a fiery and commanding Ortrud, while \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e is a suave and authoritative Heinrich.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e, though there are a few brief glitches during \"Einsam in trüben Tagen.\"\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\u003eLohengrin – \u003cstrong\u003ePlácido Domingo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElsa – \u003cstrong\u003eArlene Saunders\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtrud – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFriedrich von Telramund – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ohanesian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKönig Heinrich – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDer Heerrufer des Königs – \u003cstrong\u003eTom Krause\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eStaatsoper Hamburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJune 16, 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eMatthias Kuntzsch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10618-3\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":31292640329864,"sku":"10618-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099224068,"sku":"MP3 10618-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080019112257,"sku":"FLAC 10618-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080019145025,"sku":"FLACUP 10618-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10618-3front.jpg?v=1751036727"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-remedios-hunter-garrard-hammond-stroud-goodall","title":"Wagner: Siegfried (In English) - Remedios, Hunter, Garrard, Dempsey, Hammond-Stroud, Grant, Masterson; Goodall. London, 1973","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\u003cstrong\u003eAlberto Remedios\u003c\/strong\u003e may not be the most stentorian Siegfried, but I confidently assert that his performance is one the most beautifully sung Siegfried I have ever heard. He emphasizes the lyrical nature of the role, often overshadowed by its dramatic demands.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the most notable differences from the commercial set is the Wanderer, portrayed here by \u003cstrong\u003eDon Garrard\u003c\/strong\u003e. His voice possesses an elegance that \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Bailey's\u003c\/strong\u003e lacked, though to be fair, Garrard's interpretation feels slightly more restrained compared to Bailey's dynamic presence.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Siegfried Brünnhilde, though shorter than her counterparts in other \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\u003e operas, remains a formidable challenge for any soprano. \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e rises to the occasion effortlessly, delivering precise high notes, opulent tone, and radiant beauty, making this demanding role appear deceptively easy.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGregory Dempsey's\u003c\/strong\u003e Mime exemplifies everything remarkable about a great English tenor and character artist. His nuanced attention to the text is so extraordinary that at times, it evokes the feeling of a Vaughan Williams art song. He balances sympathy and revulsion in his portrayal with impressive finesse. Similarly, \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e as Alberich paints the character with broader strokes, delivering a performance rich in intensity and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA special mention must go to the woodbird, sung by the incomparable \u003cstrong\u003eValerie Masterson\u003c\/strong\u003e, a delightful addition and a significant improvement over the EMI recording.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs exceptional as the individual performances are, the overall production surpasses the sum of its parts. This is due in no small part to the chemistry among the performers, many of whom had long-standing relationships—\u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAlberto Remedios\u003c\/strong\u003e, for example, were schoolmates—and the masterful direction of \u003cstrong\u003eReginald Goodall\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWagner's music, when performed at the deliberate tempos chosen here, can feel lethargic in less capable hands. However, Goodall manages to slow time while maintaining forward momentum. His approach allows the singers to luxuriate in their vocal lines and reveals the intricate beauty of Wagner's harmonies and orchestration.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e, ensuring every word of the English text is clearly audible. The only minor flaw is the occasional scratchiness at the beginning of Act I, likely a result of the transfer from LP. For those who remember well-loved records, this is a nostalgic quirk. The remainder of the performance is free of such imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis production is a treasure, offering a deeply satisfying blend of vocal mastery, ensemble chemistry, and inspired conducting. It is a must-have for Wagner enthusiasts and lovers of English opera alike.\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\u003eAlberto Remedios\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eGregory Dempsey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eDon Garrard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eClifford Grant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoodbird – \u003cstrong\u003eValerie Masterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 3, 1973\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eReginald Goodall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10645-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn English\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292639051912,"sku":"10645-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099250948,"sku":"MP3 10645-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080020783425,"sku":"FLAC 10645-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080020816193,"sku":"FLACUP 10645-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10645-4front.jpg?v=1751036691"},{"product_id":"verdi-otello-set-svanholm-nordmo-loevberg-bjorling-ehrling","title":"Verdi: Otello (In Swedish) - Svanholm, Normdo-Løvberg, S. Björling; Ehrling.  Stockholm, 1953","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 (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe role of Otello is by far the most heroic of all Verdi tenor parts, which has led many Heldentenors to take on the title role. \u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e exemplifies why this casting choice works so well. His burnished tenor infuses the character with a tortured quality, even during the relative calm of the love duet.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e takes on the role of Iago. While more of a bass-baritone and unable to sing the A naturals in the drinking song, his dark, menacing tone adds a formidable edge to the character. Sung in Swedish, this performance benefits from the unique interpretive touches of the 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\u003eOtello – \u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIago – \u003cstrong\u003eSigurd Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesdemona – \u003cstrong\u003eAase Nordmo Løvberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCassio – \u003cstrong\u003eAarne Ohlsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRodrigo – \u003cstrong\u003eGösta Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLodovico – \u003cstrong\u003eFolke Sonsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmilia – \u003cstrong\u003eBette Björling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUn Araldo – \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Swendenbrant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eStockholm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1953\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSixten Ehrling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10666-2\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\u003cstrong\u003eIn Swedish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292638331016,"sku":"10666-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099139780,"sku":"MP3 10666-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080021897537,"sku":"FLAC 10666-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080021930305,"sku":"FLACUP 10666-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10666-2front.jpg?v=1751036667"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-thomas-silja-wiener-schippers","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Thomas, Silja, Wiener; Schippers.  Bayreuth, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eIt is rare to find a cast in a Wagner opera that can convincingly convey youth on stage. In this production of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/span\u003e, youthful energy radiates from the performances of \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e as Eva and \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e as Walther. Their vibrant portrayals bring added vitality to Wagner's most human opera, heightening the poignancy when the elder Sachs must relinquish his dream of a life with Eva.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtto Wiener\u003c\/strong\u003e handles the demanding role of Sachs with skill, supported by a wonderfully colorful cast of Meistersingers. When I saw that \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Schippers\u003c\/strong\u003e was conducting, I expected an excessively brisk interpretation, but this performance is anything but rushed. Schippers masterfully conveys the expansive breadth of Wagner's melodies.\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\u003eHans Sachs – \u003cstrong\u003eOtto Wiener\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVeit Pogner – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSixtus Beckmesser – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFritz Kothner – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKunz Vogelgesang – \u003cstrong\u003eTicho Parly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKonrad Nachtigall – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBalthasar Zorn – \u003cstrong\u003eStefan Schwer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUlrich Eißlinger – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Treptow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAugustin Moser – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Winkler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHermann Ortel – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltan Kelemen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Schwarz – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Linke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Foltz – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Krukowski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEva – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalther von Stolzing – \u003cstrong\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDavid – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMagdalena – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNachtwächter – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Hagenau\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\u003eJuly\/August, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Schippers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10680-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637839496,"sku":"10680-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099198660,"sku":"MP3 10680-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080022749505,"sku":"FLAC 10680-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080022782273,"sku":"FLACUP 10680-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10680-4front.jpg?v=1751036651"},{"product_id":"verdi-nabucco-glossop-souliotis-ward-mauro-davis","title":"Verdi: Nabucco - Glossop, Souliotis, Ward, Mauro; Davis.  London, 1972","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eNabucco\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\u003eAt a time when it was common to import Italian singers for Verdi operas, it is commendable that Covent Garden chose to feature homegrown baritone \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/strong\u003e in the title role of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eNabucco\u003c\/span\u003e. Glossop proves that Italians do not have a monopoly on sublime legato singing and ringing high notes, delivering a performance of remarkable skill and artistry.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElena Souliotis\u003c\/strong\u003e was slightly past her prime by 1972, and her voice lacks some of the heft and beauty of her earlier years. Nevertheless, she handles Verdi's most demanding soprano role with admirable skill and conviction. \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a majestic Zaccaria, and \u003cstrong\u003eColin Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e brings energy and vitality to Verdi's score, ensuring a spirited performance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is muffled but adequate.\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\u003eNabucco – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Glossop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbigaille – \u003cstrong\u003eElena Souliotis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZaccaria – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsmaele – \u003cstrong\u003eErmanno Mauro\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFenena – \u003cstrong\u003eMaria Pellegrini\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnna – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Hayward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbdallo – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSacerdote – \u003cstrong\u003eGwynne Howell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 1, 1972\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eColin Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10682-2\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\u003eElena Souliotis sings excerpts from \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eUn Ballo in Maschera\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637773960,"sku":"10682-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099127620,"sku":"MP3 10682-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080022913345,"sku":"FLAC 10682-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080022946113,"sku":"FLACUP 10682-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10682-2front.jpg?v=1751036649"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-birgit-nilsson-jon-vickers-hesse-sotin","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Vickers, Hesse, Sotin, Nöcker, Bunger; Stein.  Wien, 1976","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 is truly regrettable that \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e did not perform \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/span\u003e more often. That makes this recording, in pristine sound, an invaluable treasure, capturing the two in a passionate, hot-blooded performance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNilsson's singing may lack some of the crystalline clarity of her 1960s recordings, but the trade-off is a deeply vivid interpretation, particularly in the narration and curse, where her dramatic intensity is unmatched. Vickers' Tristan, however, is truly timeless and may well be my favorite. His Act III performance is almost unbearably gut-wrenching, brimming with raw emotion and evoking a profound sense of universal suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThey are joined by a superb cast, including \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e as Brangäne, \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e as Marke, and even \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\u003c\/strong\u003e lending his artistry as the sailor. Conductor \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/strong\u003e brings extraordinary attention to the details of Wagner's score, revealing orchestral colors I've 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\u003eTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Günther Nöcker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eReid Bunger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeemann – \u003cstrong\u003eAnton Dermota\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHirt – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteuermann – \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 5, 1976\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10683-3\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":31292637741192,"sku":"10683-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099256708,"sku":"MP3 10683-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080022978881,"sku":"FLAC 10683-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080023011649,"sku":"FLACUP 10683-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10683-3front.jpg?v=1751036648"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-dalis-london-hotter-knappertsbusch","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Dalis, London, Hotter, Böhme; Knappertsbusch.  Bayreuth, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e is another installment in the legendary series of \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifals\u003c\/span\u003e from Bayreuth in the 1950s and 1960s. This time, the title role is performed by \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e, who is at his very best as Parsifal. Though celebrated for his Siegfried and Tristan, \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e demonstrates here that his voice was fundamentally a lyrical instrument, making him ideally suited to this role.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a legendary Kundry, widely regarded as one of the best on record. While she occasionally struggles in this performance compared to her earlier years, she compensates with an increased sense of dramatic abandon. \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge London\u003c\/strong\u003e portrays a stoic Amfortas, his voice remaining in excellent form despite a few strained high notes. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Gurnemanz, may lack the profound depth of other basses, but this quality lends his portrayal an everyman authenticity that works beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnder \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e, the pacing is masterful, balancing moments of luxuriant reflection with forward-driving momentum that sustains both the music and the drama.\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\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErster Gralsritter – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Winkler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZweiter Gralsritter – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVier Knappen – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eMargarethe Bence\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge Paskuda\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSylvia Stahlmann\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSieglinde Wagner\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eDorothea Siebert\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eRita Bartos\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSona Cervena\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\u003e1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10694-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637413512,"sku":"10694-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099238788,"sku":"MP3 10694-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080023634241,"sku":"FLAC 10694-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080023667009,"sku":"FLACUP 10694-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10694-4front.jpg?v=1751036635"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-greindl-silja-konya-bohme-bohm","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Greindl, Silja, Konya, Alexander, Böhme; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eThis outstanding performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/span\u003e brings together a superb cast, blending the vitality of youth with the wisdom of experience. Representing the younger generation is \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e as the enchanting Eva Pogner. Her gleaming voice and vibrant portrayal radiate youthful energy, capturing Eva’s charm and innocence perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOn the veteran side, \u003cb\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/b\u003e shines as Walther von Stolzing, delivering one of the most exquisitely sung Preislieds I’ve ever heard—an absolute highlight of the performance. \u003cb\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/b\u003e, with his deep, resonant bass, initially seems an unconventional choice for Hans Sachs. However, any reservations are quickly dispelled by his portrayal, which brims with warmth, intelligence, and humanity, offering a refreshingly benevolent 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\u003eHans Sachs – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVeit Pogner – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSixtus Beckmesser – \u003cstrong\u003eCarlos Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFritz Kothner – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalther von Stolzing – \u003cstrong\u003eSándor Kónya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDavid – \u003cstrong\u003eErwin Wohlfahrt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEva – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMagdalena – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNachtwächter – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Hagenau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKunz Vogelgesang – \u003cstrong\u003eTicho Parly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKonrad Nachtigall – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUlrich Eisslinger – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Treptow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBalthasar Zorn – \u003cstrong\u003eStefan Schwer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAugustin Moser – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Winkler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHermann Ortel – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltán Kelemen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Schwarz – \u003cstrong\u003eFritz Linke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHans Foltz – \u003cstrong\u003eRolf Telasko\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\u003eJuly\/August, 1964\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10724-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292636496008,"sku":"10724-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099189572,"sku":"MP3 10724-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080027271489,"sku":"FLAC 10724-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080027304257,"sku":"FLACUP 10724-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10724-4front_6dc0b791-0884-490b-bea3-d288e0434cf7.jpg?v=1751036600"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-ward-veasey-stolze-neidlinger-robinson-solti","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Ward, Veasey, Stolze, Neidlinger, Robinson; Solti.  London, 1965","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\u003eBesides its illustrious maestro, this \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\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 is 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. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e is a Wotan for the ages. His voice is robust and regal and his commitment to the play is both intense and understated. \u003cb\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/b\u003e'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 \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\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\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLoge – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreia – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Vaughan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFroh – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonner – \u003cstrong\u003eVictor Godfrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eForbes Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Robson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10763-2\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080030286145,"sku":"FLAC 10763-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080030318913,"sku":"FLACUP 10763-2","price":2.95,"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":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eAll sopranos who sing Brünnhilde generally fare better on one side of the cycle or the other. \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e's youthful soprano seems more at ease as the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eWalküre\u003c\/span\u003e Brünnhilde. That is not to say that her voice is lacking in power as exemplified in her lusty hojotohos. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e'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 the opera very touchingly. A young \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e gets a chance to sink her teeth into Sieglinde, and demonstrates that she is certainly a Brünnhilde in the making. She is joined by \u003cb\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\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\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Edwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Kingsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eAnn Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eRae Woodland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eNoreen Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10764-4\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 \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080030351681,"sku":"FLAC 10764-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080030384449,"sku":"FLACUP 10764-4","price":2.95,"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-ring-excerpts-ward-hotter-shuard-jones-windgassen-frick-kozub-solti","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (excerpts) - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Hotter, Jones; Solti.  London, 1965","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eDespite the fact that \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e's name has now become forever linked to Wagner's \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e, he seems to have conducted only a few complete cycles. His last outing was in 1983 at Bayreuth. Sadly, it became clear that he had lost his insight into Wagner's tetralogy creating an overly-analyzed and mannered performance. In many ways this performance, from 1965, may be his finest recording of the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\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 that undulates and breathes with the action on stage. The cast assembled is first rate. \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e brings a beauty and youthfulness that is rarely associated with Brünnhilde. \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e reprise their roles as Siegfried and Hagen, respectively, and a young \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e gets to dip her toe into the Wagner pool, delivering a red-hot Sieglinde aided in no small part by the superb Siegmund of \u003cb\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/b\u003e. This should be a priceless document to anyone who grew up listening to the Solti \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\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\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDer Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10768-2\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":31292634464392,"sku":"10768-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242500,"sku":"MP3 10768-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080030581057,"sku":"FLAC 10768-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080030613825,"sku":"FLACUP 10768-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10768-2front.jpg?v=1751036536"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-shuard-windgassen-ward-hotter-jones-kozub-solti-london-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Hotter, Jones, Kozub; Solti.  London, 1965","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\u003eDespite the fact that \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e's name has now become forever linked to Wagner's \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/span\u003e, he seems to have conducted only a few complete cycles. His last outing was in 1983 at Bayreuth. Sadly it became clear that he had lost his insight into Wagner's tetralogy, creating an overly-analyzed and mannered performance. In many ways this performance, from 1965, may be his finest recording of the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\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 that undulates and breathes with the action on stage. The cast assembled is first rate. \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e brings a beauty and youthfulness that is rarely associated with Brünnhilde. \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e reprise their roles as Siegfried and Hagen, respectively, and a young \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e gets to dip her toe into the Wagner pool, delivering a red-hot Sieglinde aided in no small part by the superb Siegmund of \u003cb\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/b\u003e. This should be a priceless document to anyone who grew up listening to the Solti \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\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 \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Loge – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Lanigan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freia – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Vaughan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Froh – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Donner – \u003cstrong\u003eVictor Godfrey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eForbes Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Robson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Floßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eErnst Kozub\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Edwards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Kingsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eAnn Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eRae Woodland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eNoreen Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Bainbridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waldvogel – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gunther – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Shaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Harper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Robson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Floßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erste Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eHelen Watts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Zweite Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Dritte Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10767-14\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e14\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080030974273,"sku":"FLAC 10767-14","price":73.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080031007041,"sku":"FLACUP 10767-14","price":9.95,"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-parsifal-cox-shuard-crass-stewart-ridderbusch-mcintyre-boulez","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Cox, Shuard, Crass, Stewart, Ridderbusch, McIntyre; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e \u003cdiv\u003e \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\u003eAfter having heard so many slow (or I suppose I should say \"broad\") \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifals\u003c\/span\u003e, I have to say it was very refreshing to hear Boulez's crisp approach to the score. \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e is an opera that should have a feeling of existing in suspended animation, however, Boulez's brisk tempi give a naturalism and almost conversational rhythm to the vocal lines as well as capturing the youthful energy of the title character. \u003cb\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/b\u003e, in my opinion, never got the recognition that he deserved in the heldentenor roles. His voice may not have had star-quality, but his approach in Wagner was always tasteful and his voice managed well with the demands of those roles. \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e is a wild Kundry without descending into caricature. \u003cb\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/b\u003e's suave voice gives Gurnemanz a welcome youthful quality that you don't often hear in this role (\u003cb\u003eRené Pape\u003c\/b\u003e being a present-day exception.) The cast is rounded out by \u003cb\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/b\u003e as a heroic Amfortas and \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e as Klingsor.\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\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Crass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlto Stimme – \u003cstrong\u003eUnni Rugtvedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzenberg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eSieglinde Wagner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eDieter Slembek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Hoffmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eLily Sauter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eDorothea Siebert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eWendy Fine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eSieglinde Wagner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eHermin Esser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Moll\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\u003e1968\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10781-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634005640,"sku":"10781-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099229892,"sku":"MP3 10781-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080031531329,"sku":"FLAC 10781-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080031564097,"sku":"FLACUP 10781-4","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10781-4front_fe1e5c2d-6de2-4ffc-a1fd-00209b59fc49.jpg?v=1751036519"},{"product_id":"wagner-tannhauser-jones-weikl-beresford-sotin-leinsdorf","title":"Wagner: Tannhäuser - Beresford, Jones, Jones, Weikl, Sotin; Leinsdorf.  Bayreuth, 1972","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\u003eIt was a surprise that it took Bayreuth so long to toy with the idea of casting both Elisabeth and Venus with the same soprano. It is also possible that they were waiting for a singer with the versatility to excel at both. Enter \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e. Jones delivers one of the most sultry Venuses I have ever heard. Her Elisabeth is on the more dramatic side which works great for her big outburst in Act II. Still she manages to avoid compromising the youth of the character. It would be easy for \u003cb\u003eHugh Beresford\u003c\/b\u003e, in the title role, to be overshadowed by such an extraordinary artist taking on double-duty, but he holds his own quite well. The voice has a nice burnished quality and copes well with the tessitura. \u003cb\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/b\u003e are luxuries as Wolfram and Landgraf and the orchestra is led by veteran Wagnerian, \u003cb\u003eErich Leinsdorf\u003c\/b\u003e.although there are occasional clicks in Act III. In addition, I can't be certain if the overture is from this performance as they use the Paris Version while then reverting to the Dresden version when the opera begins.\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\u003eHugh Beresford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eElisabeth – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWolfram von Eschenbach – \u003cstrong\u003eBernd Weikl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVenus – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHermann, Landgraf von Thüringen – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWalther von der Vogelweide – \u003cstrong\u003eHarald Ek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBiterolf – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Mazura\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHeinrich der Schreiber – \u003cstrong\u003eHeribert Steinbach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReinmar von Zweter – \u003cstrong\u003eHeinz Feldhoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHirt – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Gampert\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\u003e1972\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eErich Leinsdorf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10798-3\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":31292633317512,"sku":"10798-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099254404,"sku":"MP3 10798-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080032809281,"sku":"FLAC 10798-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080032842049,"sku":"FLACUP 10798-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10798-3front.jpg?v=1751036496"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-sotin-denize-ridderbusch-keleman-ehrling","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Sotin, Denize, Steinbach, Kélémen, Ridderbusch, Hendrikx; Ehrling.  Suisse, 1977","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\u003eI gravitated towards this performance because it featured the superb bass-baritone \u003cb\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/b\u003e as Wotan. Sotin spent much of his career excelling in bass roles like Gurnemanz and Landgraf so I was very eager to hear what he would do with a daunting role like Wotan. Sotin sings with such security and vocal finesse that it seems mind-boggling why he wouldn't have become the reigning Wotan of his day. He is joined by a superb supporting cast including \u003cb\u003eNadine Denize\u003c\/b\u003e who almost makes Fricka come across as too sympathetic, the wiry Loge of \u003cb\u003eHeribert Steinbach\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e as Fasolt. The performance is expertly led by \u003cb\u003eSixten Ehrling\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\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eNadine Denize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLoge – \u003cstrong\u003eHeribert Steinbach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003eHelmut Pampuch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eZoltan Keleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreia – \u003cstrong\u003eNorma Sharp\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFroh – \u003cstrong\u003eHarald Ek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonner – \u003cstrong\u003eJerker Arvidson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eOrtrun Wenkel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eLouis Hendrikx\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eVerenia Schweizer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eLiana Nejtschewa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFloßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eWiera Baniewicz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eGenève\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 24, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSixten Ehrling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10818-2\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":31292631744648,"sku":"10818-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099160324,"sku":"MP3 10818-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080034152769,"sku":"FLAC 10818-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080034185537,"sku":"FLACUP 10818-2","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10818-2front.jpg?v=1751036471"},{"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":"\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\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/span\u003e is the one opera in the \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eRing\u003c\/span\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 \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e who sings with majesty and sensitivity. \u003cb\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/b\u003e, 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.\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\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDonner – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Kelley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFroh – \u003cstrong\u003eEdgard Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLoge – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Holm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMime – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Klein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFafner – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFreia – \u003cstrong\u003eUna Hale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eErda – \u003cstrong\u003eMarga Höffgen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 18, 1959\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Konwitschny\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10828-2\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080034906433,"sku":"FLAC 10828-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080034939201,"sku":"FLACUP 10828-2","price":2.95,"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-die-walkure-varnay-hotter-shuard-vinay-boese-bohme-konwitschny","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Varnay, Hotter, Shuard, Vinay, Boese, Böhme; Konwitschny. London, 1959","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\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\u003eYou wonder if the audience at this performance in 1959 understood that what they were hearing was about as close to perfection as Wagner ever comes. To have all of the main roles cast with singers who would go down in history as some of the finest Wagnerians of their generation seems almost impossible today (not to say that there aren't some very fine Wagnerians out there.) \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e is magnificent as Brünnhilde right from her entrance and delivers a nuanced and subtle performance well paired to the dramatic sensitivity of \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e. The two create one of the most intimate final scenes I have ever heard. As the Wälsungen, we are treated to a young \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e as Sieglinde and \u003cb\u003eRamón Vinay\u003c\/b\u003e as Siegmund. Although Shuard possessed a voice of considerable power, the strength of her singing never came at the expense of beauty and lyricism creating a Sieglinde aligned with the tradition of \u003cb\u003eLotte Lehmann\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eFrida Leider\u003c\/b\u003e. Ramón Vinay was about a year away from transitioning to baritone and you do get the sense that at times navigating the passaggio seems a little more labored than it did in the early 50s. Regardless, the baritonal richness of his voice remains intact and given the lower nature of this role, he manages admirably.\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\u003eRamón Vinay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHunding – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoyce Barker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrtlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eUna Hale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eMargreta Elkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSchwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Watson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eJudith Pierce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eNoreen Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Begg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 23, 1959\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Konwitschny\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10829-3\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":31292631187592,"sku":"10829-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099213572,"sku":"MP3 10829-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080034971969,"sku":"FLAC 10829-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080035004737,"sku":"FLACUP 10829-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10829-3front.jpg?v=1751036456"},{"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":"\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\u003eFor me, this year has been a big year for \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/span\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. \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e 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. \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eRamón Vinay\u003c\/b\u003e as Sieglinde and Siegmund, respectively, \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e as Hagen and \u003cb\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/b\u003e as Fricka.\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\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Donner – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Kelley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Froh – \u003cstrong\u003eEdgard Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Loge – \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Holm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Klein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fasolt – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eMichael Langdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Freia – \u003cstrong\u003eUna Hale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eMarga Höffgen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegmund – \u003cstrong\u003eRamón Vinay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sieglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hunding – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wotan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fricka – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gerhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoyce Barker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Ortlinde – \u003cstrong\u003eUna Hale\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eMargreta Elkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Schwertleite – \u003cstrong\u003eJean Watson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Helmwige – \u003cstrong\u003eJudith Pierce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegrune – \u003cstrong\u003eNoreen Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Grimgerde – \u003cstrong\u003eHeather Begg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Roßweiße – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Mime – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Klein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Roth-Ehrang\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eMarga Höffgen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Stimme des Waldvogels – \u003cstrong\u003eDorothea Siebert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Hagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gunther – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Uhde\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Gutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eJoan Carlyle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Flosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e First Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMarjorie Thomas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Second Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Third Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Shuard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003e Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1959\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Konwitschny\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10832-13\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":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},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080035103041,"sku":"FLAC 10832-13","price":68.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080035135809,"sku":"FLACUP 10832-13","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10832-13front.jpg?v=1751036452"},{"product_id":"strauss-der-rosenkavalier-schwarzkopf-steffek-jurinac-bohme-solti","title":"Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Schwarzkopf, Jurinac, Steffek, Böhme, Lewis; Solti.  London, 1959","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\u003eThe merits of this recording should be obvious to even the greenest of collectors out there. It finds the great \u003cb\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/b\u003e at a point where her grasp of the Marschallin is so complete and organic, and just before the bloom was beginning to fade from her voice. She is joined by \u003cb\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/b\u003e in the title role. Hearing these two singers together, you get the sense of how wonderful it is when you have artists that have such a clear rapport and comfort with one another. \u003cb\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/b\u003e is a riotous Ochs. What is particularly important about this production is that it marks the Covent Garden debut of Sir \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e, who would go on to a legendary tenure as music director.\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\u003eOctavian – \u003cstrong\u003eSena Jurinac\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarschallin – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Schwarzkopf\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSophie – \u003cstrong\u003eHanny Steffek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBaron Ochs – \u003cstrong\u003eKurt Böhme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFaninal – \u003cstrong\u003eRonald Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eValzacchi – \u003cstrong\u003eRaymond Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnnina – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eItalian Singer – \u003cstrong\u003eKenneth McDonald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarianne Leitmetzerin – \u003cstrong\u003eJudith Pierce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePolice Commissioner – \u003cstrong\u003eRhydderch Davies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFaninal's Major Domo – \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dobson Frese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMarschallin's Major Domo – \u003cstrong\u003eDavid Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 19, 1959\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10835-3\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":31292630990984,"sku":"10835-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099037252,"sku":"MP3 10835-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080035365185,"sku":"FLAC 10835-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080035397953,"sku":"FLACUP 10835-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10835-3front.jpg?v=1751036449"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-bjoner-wenkoff-hesse-roar-sotin-grundheber-stein","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Bjoner, Wenkoff, Hesse, Roar, Sotin, Grundheber; Stein.  Hamburg, 1977","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\u003eAs her voice matured, \u003cb\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/b\u003e began to move into the heavier repertoire. Having admired the ethereal quality of her voice in roles like Ariadne and Elsa, I must admit I was skeptical going in, but she manages the role deftly without short-changing the fire of Act I or the delicate lyricism of Act II. Although the purity of her early days may be lacking, the voice has taken on a more burgundy hue and that added richness serves her very well. \u003cb\u003eSpas Wenkoff\u003c\/b\u003e is one of my favorite Tristans. Much like \u003cb\u003eJon Vickers\u003c\/b\u003e, he is able to convey the character's tortured stoicism acutely. \u003cb\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/b\u003e, still a house bass-baritone in Hamburg when this performance took place, reveals that he is destined for the international scene. \u003cb\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eLeif Roar\u003c\/b\u003e make equally impressive contributions, and the role of Melot is sung by a young \u003cb\u003eFranz Grundheber\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\u003eTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eSpas Wenkoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Hesse\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eLeif Roar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Sotin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eFranz Grundheber\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003chr\u003e \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eHamburg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eMarch 20, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10838-3\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":31292630892680,"sku":"10838-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099257028,"sku":"MP3 10838-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":52080035561793,"sku":"FLAC 10838-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC UPGRADE","offer_id":52080035594561,"sku":"FLACUP 10838-3","price":2.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10838-3front_51325ca7-f510-41b6-82a1-769a69f7e636.jpg?v=1751036444"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Overlooked-Basses-500x500.png?v=1790292680","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/overlooked-singers-basses.oembed?page=4","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}