Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Varnay, Windgassen, Töpper, Imdahl, Van Mill; Keilberth. München, 1966
$24.95
Description:
Although Astrid Varnay was not as prolific in the role of Isolde as some of her other great parts, she doesn't imprint the role as forcefully as in her other portrayals. She manages what so many of her peers cannot: she navigates the dramatic demands of the Narration and curse with ease while reserving just enough vocal reserves to deliver a breathtakingly delicate Liebestod.
While some have questioned Wolfgang Windgassen’s credentials as a true heldentenor, his recorded performance here bursts with the kind of expansive passion that this role demands. Amid the overall intensity, his rendition of "Und drauf Isolde" stands out as a beautifully moving, almost heart-wrenching moment.
Complementing the performance, Hertha Töpper excels as a richly evocative Brangäne, and Joseph Keilberth guides the orchestra and singers through this challenging score with a finesse that brings a refreshing lightness to the evening.
In Mono
OD 10498-3
Listen to a Sample:
Terrific Tristan with Great Cast!
I'm very happy Opera Depot has made this performance available to a much wider audience. There are earlier extant performances with Varnay (Bayreuth '53 and Met '55), both of which find her in younger, fresher voice, but neither has her partnership with Windgassen. And her voice is just fine here. It is darker and she doesn't sound like a young woman, but those are the only qualifications I'll make. The top still blazes forth with no trouble (the B's in Act One are Nilsson-like in their length and intensity) and her knowledge of the role and how to shape and project the text are second to none. The final F# of the Liebestod is taken exquisitely and melts effortlessly into the orchestral fabric. Windgassen also knows his role intimately; he and Varnay had been stage partners for years and each brings out the best in the other. His "Und drauf Isolde" is heartbreaking. Topper is a fine Brangane, matching Varnay's timbre so well that at times it's hard to tell them apart. Van Mill is an excellent Marke. He actually makes his monologue interesting. The rest of the cast and the orchestra are up to the standards of the Bavarian State Opera. Keilberth proves yet again what a fine conductor he was. The sound is mostly excellent. There is some volume wavering in the first scene, but it doesn't last long. The final chord of Act One disappears under a sudden burst of static. Other than that we're home free. If you love Tristan, Varnay, or Windgassen, you'll want this set!
Tristan und Isolde
Eine gute Aufnahmequalität mit den damals besten Sängern. Astrid Varnay souverän als Isolde, Windgassen wie immer ein wenig kühl und distanziert in seiner Darstellung. Alle anderen Partien sind auch mit Spitzensängern besetzt. Eine Aufnahme die Freude macht und die man sich anhören sollte. A good recording quality with the best singers of the time. Astrid Varnay sovereign as Isolde, Windgassen alleys as always a little cool and distant in his portrayal. All other parts are also played by top singers. A recording that is a pleasure to listen to.
Nicholas Allen
The greatest, most deeply conceived Isolde I ever heard, every syllable crysal clear - in itself worth five stars. strange how she has become reognised so soon after her death, I sppose she got a bit eclipsed by Nilsson. OF course Nilsson was unique, voicewise, but Varnay has it over hr every tme for drama, clarity and utter thrill. Another fine performance from Opera Depot - thankyou.
