{"title":"WAGNER, Richard","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"der-ring-des-nibelungen-bohm-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Adam, Windgassen, Rysanek, King; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the enormous achievement of the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, Birgit Nilsson always maintained that she preferred her performance on the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e issued by Phillips 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 \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, I have always agreed with Nilsson in her assessment that the Böhm's reading had a fire that Solti's technicolor \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\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 Wolfgang Windgassen 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. Leonie Rysanek delivers a wild, passionate Sieglinde and she is joined by James King, who in my opinion, is one of the greatest Siegmund's to ever have walked the earth. Theo Adam takes on the younger Wotans while Josef Greindl sings the Wanderer in \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\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 avuncular yet world-weary bass (in the Phillips version Adam would sing all three Wotans). Other variations in casting from the Phillips release all add up to net gains. Lili Chookasian steps in as Erda and delivers rich earthy tones. Martti Talvela treats us to one of the most suave Hundings you are likely to hear anywhere and Kerstin Meyer takes the place of Martha Mödl 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 Anja Silja as Freia, Thomas Stewart as one of the greatest Gunthers ever, Ludmila Dvorakova as Gutrune, and Martti Talvela's dignified Fasolt. Karl Böhm'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. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10910-12\u003c\/p\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}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10910-12front.jpg?v=1751037337"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-varnay-vinay-malaniuk-weber-neidlinger-jochum-bayreuth-1953","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Varnay, Vinay, Malaniuk, Weber, Neidlinger; Jochum.  Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may be one of my all-time favorite performances of \u003cem\u003eTristan\u003c\/em\u003e. Although the broadcast from the previous year with Martha Mödl was certainly a memorable affair, Astrid Varnay possessed the ability to truly deliver the Wagnerian goods, (i.e. formidably power and gleaming high notes) in a way that Mödl couldn't, despite being a gripping actress. From her entrance, Varnay's voice soars over the orchestra with ease. She culminates the evening with a superbly delicate Liebestod. Ramon Vinay's baritonal Tristan brings an anguished quality unlike any other interpreter of this role I can think of. He is particularly thrilling in Act III, seemingly unfazed by the daunting vocal writing. Ludwig Weber is an excellent Marke. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10938-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666871944,"sku":"10938-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263812,"sku":"MP3 10938-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10938-3front.jpg?v=1751037332"},{"product_id":"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":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust a year before the famous Philips release of the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, this performance proves to be a very satisfying dry-run. The cast is almost identical with the very notable exception of Josef Greindl as the Wanderer. Greindl's voice could not have been more different than his colleague, Theo Adam, 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. Wolfgang Windgassen 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. Birgit Nilsson 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 Lili Chookasian whose brief appearence as Erda in Act III is quite memorable.  (She was not featured on the Phillips release.)  The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10908-3\u003c\/p\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}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10908-3front.jpg?v=1751037330"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-greindl-stewart-meyer-neidlinger-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Greindl, Stewart, Meyer, Neidlinger; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it is hard to imagine a time in which you could go see a performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e which not only featured legendary singers in the main roles but also assembled a supporting cast which did not contain one weak link. Birgit Nilsson is an unstoppable force of nature as Brünnhilde whose vocal power is only matched by the beauty of her voice (a rare pairing in Wagner.) Although Wolfgang Windgassen, by his own admission, was never a true heldentenor, his solid technique and intelligence carry him a long way, and if at times we miss the ringing tones of someone like Lauritz Melchior, he more than makes up for it with the youthful quality he brings to the role. Josef Greindl's black bass delivers a formidable, yet almost reptilian, Hagen. Thomas Stewart's Gunther is a true luxury. So often this part is overlooked by great baritones, perhaps given the unsympathetic nature of the character, but in the hands of a great singer one sees that there are many opportunities to shine and Stewart does just that. Likewise for the Gutrune of Ludmila Dvorakova, a fine Brünnhilde herself, whose attractive slavic sound makes the character come across as a legitimate threat to Brünnhilde and Siegfried's union irrespective of any love potions. In an interesting variation from the Phillips set, we are treated to Kerstin Meyer's Waltraute in place of Martha Mödl. Although you will never hear me say a bad thing about Mödl's artistry, it is no secret that by 1967 the voice was pretty much in tatters. And although Meyer doesn't achieve the magnetic quality that Mödl brought to every character she did, her vocal achievements are very much welcome. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10909-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666773640,"sku":"10909-4","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099220612,"sku":"MP3 10909-4","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10909-4front.jpg?v=1751037329"},{"product_id":"ring-nibelungen-excerpts-schroder-feinen-stein-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Lindholm, Schröder-Feinen, Ligendza, Cox, Adam; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not uncommon for two sopranos to split duties as Brünnhilde in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, but I have never come across a complete cycle inhabited by three different Brünnhildes. It had originally been intended for Berit Lindholm to sing the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and Catarina Ligendza to sing the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde, but Lindholm fell ill before the performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e giving Ursula Schröder-Feinen, who was still relatively unknown at the time, the opportunity to show off her Wagnerian chops. And some mighty fine chops they are, I might add. For my part Schröder-Feinen nearly steals the entire Cycle, tackling the shortest, but arguably most difficult, role in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e with seeming ease. Her top is gleaming with seemingly endless reserves and she is able to scale back her voice for the more intimate moments. That is not to short-change the achievements of her colleagues. Lindholm struggles a little at first with the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde but quickly settles into things revealing an alluring, auburn color to her voice, which brought to my mind a young Astrid Varnay. Catarina Ligendza returns for her third summer as Brünnhilde at Bayreuth and seems more confidant and secure than ever. It is unclear to me how well her voice may have cut through the orchestra, but she manages the treacherous role with impressive security and a youthful quality that is all too rare in Wagner. The rest of the cast is very good. Theo Adam sings Wotan, Gwyneth Jones is Sieglinde, Jean Cox delivers a dashing Siegfried (replete with an impressive high C in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e). The smaller roles are no less distinguished, including the likes of Eva Randovà as Gutrune, Franz Mazura as Gunther and Marga Höffgen as Erda. The sound is very good and the performances are complete except for about 30 seconds of music at the beginning of \"Ewig war ich\" in Act III of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10934-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666380424,"sku":"10934-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098794052,"sku":"MP3 10934-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10934-1front.jpg?v=1751037325"},{"product_id":"gotterdammerung-wagner-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Randová; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou would not expect Catarina Ligendza to be as successful in the role of Brünnhilde as she was. Her jugendlische sound seems a somewhat incongruous fit, especially in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. Surprisingly, she manages to rise to the challenges with confidence. She is well matched with the Siegfried of Jean Cox (the two must have been one of the most attractive pair in the history of Bayreuth.) Karl Ridderbusch brings sinister charm to the role of Hagen. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10932-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmuseed-player data-playlist=\"10932-4\" width=\"640\" height=\"compact-height\"\u003e \u003c\/museed-player\u003e \u003cscript type=\"module\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/player.museed.co\/player.js\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" async\u003e \u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666347656,"sku":"10932-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098695428,"sku":"MP3 10932-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10932-4front.jpg?v=1751037324"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-cox-schroder-feinen-adam-stein","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Cox, Schröder-Feinen, Adam, Zednik, Neidlinger, Feldhoff, Höffgen; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean Cox has often been dismissed as a \"serviceable\" Siegfried (no small accolade considering the formidable demands of the role.) However, I attest that this performance is anything but serviceable and he hits all of the marks, from a virile forging scene to some very tender singing during the \u003cem\u003eWaldweben\u003c\/em\u003e. The stand-out of the cast comes in the form of a last minute substitution which Wolfgang Wagner announces before the beginning of Act III when Berit Lindholm fell ill. Ursula Scröder-Feinen seems unfazed by the stress of having to go on at the last minute and scores a triumph in the short but strenuous \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde. Her voice is both dramatic and sensual. \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich\"\u003c\/em\u003e is particularly remarkable for its delicacy, especially given the fact that she just sang music that is anything but. Heinz Zednik is wiry and hilarious Mime. The sound is very good but there is about 30 seconds of music missing at the beginning of \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10931-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666314888,"sku":"10931-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244356,"sku":"MP3 10931-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10931-3front.jpg?v=1751037323"},{"product_id":"wagner-walkure-lindholm-adam-jones-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Lindholm, Adam, Jones, Brenneis, Reynolds, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is interesting to hear Berit Lindholm as Brünnhilde seven years after her initial outing in the role. In that time her voice had darkened and become more rich which works mostly to her benefit as the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde sits lower than any of others. The downside is that this added richness and weight seem to make getting to the upper extension a little more labored. Theo Adam returns as Wotan, a role he all but owned at Bayreuth for nearly a decade, and brings his signature virile poise to the part. Gwyneth Jones was about ready to make the switch to Brünnhilde and, sadly, the toll of the hochdramatische repertoire would begin to take a toll. However in 1973 she was still in command of her over-sized soprano and delivers some thrilling singing. Gerd Brenneis as Siegmund is on the more lyrical side of the spectrum which make for a very beautiful \u003cem\u003e\"Winterstürme.\"\u003c\/em\u003e The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10930-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666282120,"sku":"10930-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099264260,"sku":"MP3 10930-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10930-3front.jpg?v=1751037322"},{"product_id":"wagner-rheingold-adam-esser-reynolds-bode-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Reynolds, Esser, Bode, Ridderbusch, Zednik; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1973 marked the third year that this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e was in circulation at Bayreuth. Although revivals often get a bad rap, at Bayreuth, where the casts are often consistent from year to year, the director will continue to work with the singers, restaging parts of the opera and exploring new dynamics between the characters. The result is a dynamic experience in which the singers and audience benefit from the rapport that the artists have established year after year without slipping into stale routine. Not that this cast of excellent singing actors would ever let that happen. Theo Adam is magnificent as Wotan and carries most of the show with ease. Karl Ridderbusch is also a stand-out as Fasolt as is Marga Höffgen as an earthy-voiced Erda. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10929-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666249352,"sku":"10929-2","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099239684,"sku":"MP3 10929-2","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10929-2front.jpg?v=1751037321"},{"product_id":"wagner-lohengrin-maison-lawrence-kipnis-busch","title":"Wagner: Lohengrin - Maison, Hoerner, Lawrence, Destal, Kipnis; Busch.  Buenos Aires, 1936","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cem\u003eLohengrin\u003c\/em\u003e is the oldest complete performance of an opera that I have. However, this recording is much more than just an archival document as both the sound and performances are remarkably fresh. Marjorie Lawrence is the main draw as Otrud, and her steely voice and dynamic stage presence make for some very exciting singing, particularly the curse (See the clip below) René Maison's Lohengrin is able to both float the heady lyrical moments as well as make an impact in the more declamatory parts, bringing to mind Sandor Konya. Fritz Busch leads a brisk performance. The sound is surprisingly good for the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10925-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666216584,"sku":"10925-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099224964,"sku":"MP3 10925-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10925-3front.jpg?v=1751037320"},{"product_id":"wagner-liebesverbot-young-downes","title":"Wagner: Das Liebesverbot - Young, Castelo, Herincx, Gale, Caley; Downes.  London, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWagner wrote \u003cem\u003eDas Liebesverbot\u003c\/em\u003e when he was still in his early twenties, and like many learning experiences of ones early twenties, he made sure to deflect attention to the work throughout the rest of his life. Although \u003cem\u003eDas \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ci\u003eLiebesverbot\u003c\/i\u003e is not likely to make it anywhere near the standard repertory, it has some nice, if conventional, moments and more importantly it is an interesting forensic study into Wagner's early influences. If his next opera, \u003cem\u003eRienzi\u003c\/em\u003e, seemed to have a heavy influence from Meyerbeer, \u003cem\u003eLiebesverbot \u003c\/em\u003eseems to pull from a collage of composers and styles. There are beautiful arias that seem right out of Bellini, ensembles that seem to owe much to Rossini and dramatic moments that are extremely derivative of \u003cem\u003eFidelio\u003c\/em\u003e (an opera sighted by Wagner as being a pivotal influence in his early years.) There is even a motive that would later be recycled into \u003cem\u003eTannhäuser.\u003c\/em\u003e This performance sports a solid cast of singers and is conducted by Edward Downes. The company does a very good job of showing the early promise of a composer who would go on to shatter the conventions that he once embraced wholeheartedly. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10919-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666019976,"sku":"10919-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223940,"sku":"MP3 10919-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10919-3front.jpg?v=1751037313"},{"product_id":"wagner-kirsten-flagstad-parsifal-siegfried","title":"Wagner: Kirsten Flagstad sings Parsifal \u0026 Siegfried - Acts I \u0026 II of Parsifal, London, 1951.  Act III Siegfried, London, 1949","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a regret of mine that the great Kirsten Flagstad is so underrepresented in my catalog. Although we are fortunate that she emerged when recordings were starting to become more and more commonplace, the ability to record broadcasts of operas was still in its infancy and an expensive process at that. So even though these performances are incomplete they are priceless because they give an accurate and honest account of the brilliance that was Kirsten Flagstad. By 1951 the bloom of Flagstad's middle voice had become lusher making her the ideal Kundry. Even though the first Act of this \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e, which has not been available for years, only begins 30 minutes into the opera, there are many opportunities for Flagstad, the actress, to shine and as an added bonus we get a chance to hear the excellent Amfortas of Sigurd Bjoerling. In Act II Flagstad displays an electric stage presence and sets fire to the scene in a way that I have never heard her even in roles like Isolde and Brünnhilde. Although a few of the high notes get away from her, she is committed and thrilling. The Excerpt of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e begins right after the Erda-Wanderer scene in Act III. Despite the following scene between Siegfried and the Wanderer being savagely cut, it is nonetheless acquitted very well by Set Svanholm and Kenneth Schon (Schon was an American Bass-Baritone who went on to make a name for himself on Broadway.) Flagstad's subsequent awakening reveals a voice of astonishing beauty and control. Her \"Ewig war ich\" is delivered with the musical delicacy of a Schubert Lied and the vocal technique of a superb Mozart singer. The sound is surprisingly good for the time\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10921-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665954440,"sku":"10921-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223812,"sku":"MP3 10921-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10921-3front.jpg?v=1751037311"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-hofmann-randova-sotin-weikl-mazura-ridderbusch-stein-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Hofmann, Randova, Sotin, Weikl, Mazura, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of you who have come to remember Peter Hofmann as a tenor whose voice never quite lived up to his physical appearance, you should give this early performance of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e a try. Hofmann's voice has the same kind of burly lyricism as a young Jess Thomas. 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. Eva Randová 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. Hans Sotin's mellifluous bass gives his Gurnemanz a youthful quality and the same can be said for Bernd Weikl's Amfortas. The sound is very good although there are a few brief drop-outs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10923-4\u003c\/p\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}],"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.  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In the theater this work would most certainly need to be cut, but with the luxury of being able to advance to the next track, this recording is a very interesting window into Wagner's early composition technique. John Mitchinson brings a burly tone and solid technique to the title role. Lorna Haywood is a stand-out as Adriano. The purity of her voice gives her credibility in a pants role and her lush voice serves her well during the dramatic moments of a character that can be considered a proto-Elsa of sorts. Edward Downes leads a performance that favors broad tempi without shortchanging the energetic and rousing ensembles. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10915-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665790600,"sku":"10915-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099240900,"sku":"MP3 10915-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10915-4front.jpg?v=1751037305"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-lindholm-ward-wennberg-brilioth-ericson-kempe-stockholm-1975","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Lindholm, Ward, Wennberg, Brilioth, Ericson; Kempe.  Stockholm, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e does a lot to speak for the native Wagnerian forces in Sweden during the 1970s. Berit Lindholm in the title role strikes the perfect balance between Brünnhilde the warrior, and Brünnhilde the teenager. 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The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10970-3\u003c\/p\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}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10970-3front.jpg?v=1751037298"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-brilioth-lindholm-arvidson-ulfung-kempe-stockholm-1975","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Brilioth, Lindholm, Arvidson, Ulfung; Kempe.  Stockholm, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe perennial absence of tenors out there who can muster up the stamina and vocal heft to sing the formidable title role of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e has meant that many allowances have had to be made over the years. Usually the first sacrifice is any kind of vocal beauty. That is why this performance, featuring Helge Brilioth, is such a revelation. Brilioth paces his way through the role quite wisely saving his voice for the most dramatic singing. However, it is in the lyrical passages that he really shines, singing with delicacy and nuance that are rarely the hallmarks of this role. Ragnar Ulfung’s feisty Mime deserves billing next to Brilioth. Ulfung throws himself into the role and brings a menace to the part that suggests Mime could be more of a threat to Siegfried than previously thought. Jerker Arvidson brings a youthful yet slightly wooden quality to the Wanderer. Berit Lindholm’s brief yet athletic turn as Brünnhilde is glorious. The sound is very good but it is worth nothing that the beginning portion of Act III, scene ii before Brünnhilde’s awakening is unfortunately missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10971-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665692296,"sku":"10971-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099243844,"sku":"MP3 10971-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10971-3front.jpg?v=1751037297"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-lindholm-brilioth-rudngren-asker-ericson-saeden-kempe-stockholm-1975","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Lindholm, Brilioth, Rundgren, Asker, Ericson, Saedén; Kempe.  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Berit Lindholm’s brief yet athletic turn as Brünnhilde is glorious. The sound is very good but it is worth nothing that the beginning portion of Act III, scene ii before Brünnhilde’s awakening is unfortunately missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10972-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665659528,"sku":"10972-4","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217924,"sku":"MP3 10972-4","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10972-4front.jpg?v=1751037295"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-kollo-hoffman-siepi","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Kollo, Hoffman, Siepi, Kerns, Pernstorfer; Vanderzand.  Wien, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe highlight of this performance of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e is the Gurnemanz portrayed by \u003cstrong\u003eCesare Siepi\u003c\/strong\u003e. Siepi brings elegant tone and a sublime sense of phrasing to the role, and his command of the German text is surprisingly convincing. However, he occasionally struggles to stay in sync with the conductor, though the prompter skillfully brings him back on track. \u003cstrong\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/strong\u003e excels in this performance, combining tonal purity with dramatic intensity. \u003cstrong\u003eGrace Hoffman's\u003c\/strong\u003e sumptuous portrayal of Kundry is remarkable, while \u003cstrong\u003eCharles Vanderzand\u003c\/strong\u003e offers intriguing insights into the score.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- \u003c\/strong\u003ePitch corrected, sound restored\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10022-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665233544,"sku":"10022-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099231876,"sku":"MP3 10022-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49907513459009,"sku":"10022-4FLAC","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10022-4front.jpg?v=1751037283"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-konya-gorr-christoff","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Konya, Gorr, Christoff, Neidlinger, Caballé; Cluytens. Milano, 1960","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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 \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/span\u003e comes together in a way that unifies both the drama’s intensity and its deeply contemplative character. Under the guidance of André Cluytens, Wagner’s score unfolds with an acute sense of atmosphere, balancing ritual gravity with moments of quiet luminosity and latent tension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eSándor Kónya brings a sweet-toned Parsifal whose guileless purity is convincingly sustained, yet whose voice can summon unexpected strength in the more confrontational passages of Act II. Rita Gorr offers a Kundry of remarkable vocal amplitude and color, at once seductive and fractured, her trajectory shaped toward the possibility of redemption. Wagner might have been unsettled by Boris Christoff’s imperfect German, but his Gurnemanz is nonetheless commanding, delivered with magisterial authority and narrative weight. Making her La Scala debut, Montserrat Caballé appears among the Flowermaidens, her presence already hinting at the excellence that would soon define her career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Parsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eSÁNDOR KÓNYA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eBORIS CHRISTOFF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Kundry – \u003cstrong\u003eRITA GORR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Amfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGUSTAV NEIDLINGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Klingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORG STERN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Titurel – \u003cstrong\u003eSILVIO MAIONICA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLARA FOTI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eSTEFANIA MALAGÙ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eMARIO FERRARA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Knappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eANGELO MERCURIALI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eMONTSERRAT CABALLÉ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eURSULA KERP\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eSUSANNE WILL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eCOLETTE LORAND\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eMARIA GRAF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Blumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eHILDE KOCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ritter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eRINALDO PELIZZONI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Ritter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eGIUSEPPE MORRESI\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eMilano\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eMay 2, 1960\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10032-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePitch corrected and sound enhanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292664479880,"sku":"10032-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099232004,"sku":"MP3 10032-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51360571556161,"sku":"FLAC 10032-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10032-4front.jpg?v=1770089583"},{"product_id":"fliegende-hollander-zeani-boyer-rossi-lemeni","title":"Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer (In Italian) - Zeani, Boyer, Lamberti, Rossi-Lemeni, di Stasio; Cristoffoli.  Roma, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListening to this performance, I was struck by how the divide between Italianate and Germanic musical styles is not as vast as I once believed. Though all the singers in this recording are Italian specialists performing in Italian, Wagner’s essence remains unmistakable—so much so that, at times, I almost forgot I was listening in a different language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVirginia Zeani\u003c\/strong\u003e, at a stage in her career where she could take bold risks, does just that. For the most part, these choices pay off. While she experiences some strain in the duet with the Dutchman, she otherwise brings her signature flair and stylistic command to the role of Senta. \u003cstrong\u003eAntonio Boyer\u003c\/strong\u003e is magnificent in the title role, his dark baritone suiting the part perfectly. \u003cstrong\u003eGiorgio Lamberti\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a refreshingly lyrical and elegant Erik, a welcome contrast for a role that can often devolve into sheer vocal force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA large portion of the Act III opening chorus is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Pitch corrected, distortion corrected, skipping removed and track information added\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10089-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292663136392,"sku":"10089-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098687172,"sku":"MP3 10089-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50022755303745,"sku":"FLAC 10089-2","price":11.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10089-2front.jpg?v=1751037235"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-silja-hillebrecht-del-monaco","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Silja, Hillebrecht, del Monaco, Alexander, Hesse, von Rohr; Leitner.  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With regard to the sound, I put a lot of work into restoring it, but sadly there is only so much you can do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNEW MASTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e- Retracked and removed repeated sections where the tape changed for a more seamless flow; combined onto three discs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10090-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292663103624,"sku":"10090-3","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099212164,"sku":"MP3 10090-3","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50095748809025,"sku":"FLAC 10090-3","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10090-3front.jpg?v=1751037234"},{"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\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eParsifal\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\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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJess Thomas\u003c\/b\u003e offers a notably lyrical Parsifal, his tone marked by a gentle, almost Mozartian sweetness that sets him apart from more overtly heroic interpretations. Alongside him, \u003cb\u003eIrene Dalis\u003c\/b\u003e presents a Kundry of quiet intensity, balancing allure with an undercurrent of unrest that never fully resolves until her redemption in the final moments of the opera. \u003cb\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/b\u003e, while not a true bass, brings a reflective nobility to Gurnemanz, shaping the role with sensitivity and gravitas. George London as Amfortas conveys the characters suffering with a visceral rawness unmatched by any other baritone in this role.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmfortas – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORGE LONDON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTiturel – \u003cstrong\u003eLUDWIG WEBER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGurnemanz – \u003cstrong\u003eHANS HOTTER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eParsifal – \u003cstrong\u003eJESS THOMAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKlingsor – \u003cstrong\u003eGUSTAV NEIDLINGER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKundry – \u003cstrong\u003eIRENE DALIS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlto Stimme – \u003cstrong\u003eURSULA BÖSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eHARALD NEUKIRCH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKnappe 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eGEORG PASKUDA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eGUNDULA JANOWITZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eANJA SILJA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 3 – \u003cstrong\u003eCLAUDIA HELLMANN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 4 – \u003cstrong\u003eDOROTHEA SIEBERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 5 – \u003cstrong\u003eRITA BARTOS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlumenmädchen 6 – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH HESSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 1 – \u003cstrong\u003eNIELS MOELLER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRitter 2 – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10240-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292658417800,"sku":"10240-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099237380,"sku":"MP3 10240-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51698050269505,"sku":"FLAC 10240-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10240-4front.jpg?v=1777934134"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-silja-beirer-neidlinger-cluytens","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Silja, Berier, Meyer, Neidlinger, Talvela; Cluytens.   Roma, 1966","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eTristan und Isolde\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\u003eToday, the notion of a singer in their twenties tackling Wagner might seem implausible, yet in the composer’s own time, it was far from extraordinary. \u003cstrong\u003eLudwig Schnorr von Carolsfeld\u003c\/strong\u003e was only 28 when he created the role of Tristan, and \u003cstrong\u003eMathilde Mallinger\u003c\/strong\u003e just 21 when she sang the first Eva in \u003cem\u003eDie Meistersinger von Nürnberg\u003c\/em\u003e. Into this lineage steps \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e, who assumes the role of Isolde at the age of 25 and emerges with a performance of remarkable assurance. From the outset of Act I, she meets the demands of Wagner’s formidable orchestration head-on, displaying an intensity often associated with far more seasoned interpreters. Impressively, this fervor does not come at the expense of the opera’s more intimate moments—she handles the love duet, for instance, with a sensitivity that belies her years. If there is a flaw, it lies in occasional lapses of pitch, a technical issue she would later overcome as her voice matured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e, a seasoned veteran nearly three decades Silja’s senior, joins her as Tristan. Despite the age gap, he manages to project a persuasive sense of youthful ardor. \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes with a mezzo of striking beauty in the role of Brangäne, while \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e brings gravity and expressive warmth to König Marke’s monologue. Though the performance is subject to several cuts, \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures the musical and dramatic fabric remains finely wrought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Tristan – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Isolde – \u003cstrong\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Kurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      König Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Melot – \u003cstrong\u003eGünther Treptow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eRoma\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary 16, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10243-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eBONUS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Anja Silja Sings the Liebestod from \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e and The Immolation Scene from \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292658352264,"sku":"10243-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263492,"sku":"MP3 10243-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51258698465601,"sku":"FLAC 10243-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10243-3front.jpg?v=1768252987"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-ligendza-wenkoff-minton-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Wenkoff, Ligendza, Minton, McIntyre, Ridderbusch; C. Kleiber.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven that \u003ci\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/i\u003e was one of the few operas \u003cb\u003eCarlos Kleiber\u003c\/b\u003e conducted regularly, it is fortunate that several recordings exist to document his interpretation. Most of these feature \u003cb\u003eCatarina Ligendza\u003c\/b\u003e as Isolde. Her voice, though lighter than many who take on the role, is managed with admirable control and stamina, allowing her to carry the part through to the end with poise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, the true centerpiece of these performances is \u003cb\u003eSpas Wenkoff\u003c\/b\u003e as Tristan. His voice has a burnished quality, and his breath control is nothing short of extraordinary. He brings a tortured emotional intensity—never strained vocally—that fits the role perfectly. Kleiber’s conducting is consistently fresh and inspired, revealing nuances that set these performances apart from the more familiar DG release. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10262-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292657696904,"sku":"10262-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099259012,"sku":"MP3 10262-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50363935162689,"sku":"FLAC 10262-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10262-3front.jpg?v=1751037113"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-frick-stewart-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick, Stewart, Collier, Kraus, Jones, Hunter; Solti.  London, 1963","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\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\u003eIn many respects, this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e can be viewed as a precursor to \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e’s later studio Ring cycle, sharing as it does three of the principal voices: \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it may cede some ground in terms of musical precision, the trade-off is a palpable sense of theatrical urgency—driven both by adrenaline and an audience keenly attuned to the event’s singular intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e brings imperious authority to Brünnhilde, her vocal control and dramatic insight forming the dramatic core of the evening. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e captures Siegfried’s youthful bravado with vigor, while \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes a Hagen of uncommon poise and tonal refinement, among the most distinguished on record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe supporting cast reads like a catalogue of emergent talent: \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a notably empathetic Gutrune, and \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e is persuasive in both vocal and physical stature as Gunther. \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e lends gravity to Fricka, while future luminaries \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e appear in smaller roles as Wellgunde and the Third Norn, respectively, offering early glimpses of their future promise.\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\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Holt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarete Elkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 14, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10286-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292656976008,"sku":"10286-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099219716,"sku":"MP3 10286-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50972773253441,"sku":"FLAC 10286-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10286-4front.jpg?v=1762672411"},{"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\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSiegfried\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\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\n    \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\n    \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\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWOLFGANG WINDGASSEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGERHARD STOLZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOTAKAR KRAUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eJOSEPH ROULEAU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH SIEWERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBIRGIT NILSSON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Stimme des Waldvogels – \u003cstrong\u003eBARBARA HOLT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 7, 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10293-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\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}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10293-3front.jpg?v=1774618388"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-bailey-kmentt-dernesch","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Bailey, Dernesch, Kmentt, Martin, Ridderbusch, Hemsley; Klobucar.  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Missing from this set is the Gutrune of \u003cb\u003eRose Bampton\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e manages to have one line included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10382-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292649570440,"sku":"10382-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099214916,"sku":"MP3 10382-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50364711698753,"sku":"FLAC 10382-1","price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10382-1front.jpg?v=1751036987"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-vickers-denize-moll-adam-stein","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Vickers, Denize, Moll, Adam, Bastin; Stein. 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His willingness to set aside past choices in favor of new insights—whether prompted by different casts, staging concepts, or his own artistic curiosity—results in a reading that feels deeply organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"878\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"449\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e bring a youthful vitality to Parsifal and Kundry, with Mödl delivering a near-flawless performance, embracing the demanding high notes that would challenge her in later years. \u003cstrong data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"643\"\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Gurnemanz is warm and approachable, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"703\"\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e imbues Amfortas with the appropriate anguish yet retains a sense of youth and virility. 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Having worked with the likes of \u003cstrong\u003eMelchior, Traubel, and Flagstad\u003c\/strong\u003e, she certainly had exceptional role models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a lyrical approach to Siegfried, at times singing with a Mozartian elegance, and even delivering a surprisingly solid high C in Act III. \u003cstrong\u003eEmanuel List\u003c\/strong\u003e has to make some adjustments in the upper register to get through Hagen’s role, but his voice remains suitably dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, the real star of the evening is \u003cstrong\u003eErich Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e. His tempos are brisk without feeling rushed, and he draws moments of unexpected grace and playfulness from the orchestra. The sound quality is what one would expect from a 1940s radio broadcast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e Previous versions in circulation were slightly sharp. We have corrected this issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10556-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643377288,"sku":"10556-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222852,"sku":"MP3 10556-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10556-4front.jpg?v=1751036820"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-ligendza-hopf-balzani-neidlinger-sotin-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Hopf, Ligendza, Balzani, Neidlinger, Sotin, Dermota; C. Kleiber.  Wien, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\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—\u003cem\u003eLa Bohème\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDer Rosenkavalier\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e—received performances of extraordinary nuance and insight under his baton. His approach to the \u003cem\u003eLiebestod\u003c\/em\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\n\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. 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While he nods to Goodall's preference for slower tempi, his pacing is more varied, injecting a vitality that was absent from Goodall's interpretation. One can only wonder what Mackerras might have achieved with the remaining three operas in the cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNorman Bailey\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers an excellent Wotan, his voice tireless and his diction crystal clear. \u003cstrong\u003eAnn Howard\u003c\/strong\u003e is a lush and commanding Fricka. The standouts, however, are \u003cstrong\u003eÉmile Belcourt\u003c\/strong\u003e as Loge and \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e as Alberich. Both bring remarkable depth and personality to these character roles, coupled with admirable vocal performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is good, though it’s worth noting that approximately thirty seconds of music are missing from the final scene. 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London, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\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\n\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. 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