While working on my Bachelor's in music composition, I came across the Solti DVD of Bartók's "Bluebeard" at a secondhand shop in Eastern New Mexico. I bought the DVD not knowing anything about the opera and instantly became obsessed. I studied the opera somewhat in depth while working on my Master's degree and just about forgot about it after that. When Opera Depot had their recent Birgit Nilsson sale, I saw this was one of the offerings and thought I'd give it a try for two reasons: 1.) Birgit Nilsson singing the role of Judith! and 2.) memories of how much I loved the opera. I was a bit hesitant at first that it was sung in German, but that is such a minor quibble. I think the sound is great and I'm very thankful to have a recording of Nilsson singing this piece. I am happy with the purchase and am glad to be reminded how great this music is! Huge thanks to Opera Depot for their array of live recordings!

Nilsson creates a real study of Judith, cultivating an altogether warmer timbre in a tessitura not necessarily thought her strongest (think “Todesverkundigung”). Her incessant queries start with hushed innocence and gradually darken in motive. Sonnerstedt is introspective, resigned to the inescapable outcome from their entrance. Perhaps Fricsay rounds the edges of Bartok’s score toward Debussy, a mellow reading, but enough of the malevolent idyll remains. Sound excellent.