Description:

This performance, while marred by less-than-ideal sound, stands as a remarkable artifact from an era not far removed from the time of Richard Wagner himself. Under the baton of Leopold Stokowski, the orchestra delivers Wagner's complex orchestration with a vivid array of colors. Stokowski's interpretation is neither overtly slow nor fast, but rather one where the tempos flow naturally with the drama, breathing life into the score.

Rose Bampton brings a deep, resonant mezzo-soprano to the role of Kundry, her voice exuding both richness in Act II during the seduction scene and soaring effortlessly through powerful high notes in later moments. While Nelson Eddy is primarily known for his matinee idol status, in this recording, he demonstrates a surprising Wagnerian gravitas as Gurnemanz. His performance is a testament to his versatility, adding considerable weight to the production.

Robert Steel delivers a commendable performance as Parsifal, though somewhat overshadowed by the larger-than-life presence of his colleagues. His lyricism, however, is undoubtedly powerful and well-suited to the role.

OD 11779-1

In Mono