Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Dernesch, Vickers, Ludwig, Berry, Ridderbusch; Karajan. Salzburg, 1972
$24.95
Description:
Made with the same cast with whom Karajan recorded the opera, this live Tristan und Isolde catches a less polished, but more heartfelt performance of the opera. Christa Ludwig and Walter Berry’s performances as the servants would alone move this record to the top of my recommendations list, but there is so much more. Karl Ridderbusch’s Marke is a pillar of strength, and the smaller roles are handled expertly by the likes of Peter Schreier, Bernd Weikl and Gerhard Unger. The heroine of the opera, Helga Dernesch, is perhaps more divisive. She may stray off-pitch a bit too often for an ideal Isolde, but the power of the Irish Princess is emphatic and always present. Jon Vickers, of course, is exemplary. If any other Tristan has produced a more harrowing third act, I would prefer not to know. Karajan handles this opera like a painting, shaping the all-important atmosphere of the lovers' long night just as vividly as Van Gogh would a field of sunflowers. The sound is exemplary, but unfortunately there is a flaw in the audio as Melot’s forces arrive in Act III.
OD 11237-3
Listen to a Sample:
One of the most exciting live recordings ever
Karajan's studio recording of Tristan is one of the most underrated of the work ever (far better than Böhm, as good as Furtwängler). I was very curious about the live recording and was not disappointed. Vickers was the equivalent of Callas on stage, a natural phenomenon without comparison. The singing is not consistently cultivated, sometimes also rough. That really doesn't matter. The most important singer-actor of the 20th century in his field. What a voice. Of the highest rank. Finally a youthful Isolde in Dernesch, even if overwhelmed in places. A beautiful voice, the expression is highly musical and full of depth. I'm downright immersed in this live experience - the music breathes and lives as rarely heard. It's a shame that Karajan didn't receive the recognition he deserved in the German-speaking world. What a mistake. Unconditional recommendation.
Karajan on the top
This is an interesting document of Maestro von Karajan‘s Salzburg TRISTAN. His conducting and the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic are fabulous! The musical texture of this incomparable masterwork is transparent in a way that makes astonish. Vickers is a wonderful Tristan, but at the end of act three his voice is nearly at an end. Dernesch makes great impression with her Isolde, but is not able to hold on the last note of the Liebestod, which is very disappointing. Ludwig and Berry are top, so is Ridderbusch as Marke. Luxury is also present at the small parts with perfect performances of Peter Schreier, Gerhard Unger and Bernd Weikl. The sound is good.
Tristan und Isolde
The Karajan`s control and direction of the orchestra, are extraordinary, magnificent. Vickers's interpretation of Tristan's role is the best I've heard.
