Bluebeard's Castle

Béla Bartók (1881–1945)

DESCRIPTION

This recording of Bluebeard's Castle holds particular interest for capturing a young Birgit Nilsson in the role of Judith. While the part's lower tessitura offers limited opportunities to display her gleaming top, she seizes upon the climactic moments with assurance—notably delivering a striking High C at the opening of the fifth door. Swedish bass Bernhard Sönnerstedt gives a more subdued account of Bluebeard. His interpretation may aim to reflect the character's reserve, but the result tends toward detachment rather than mystery or gravitas.

Equally central to the opera is the orchestral fabric, and Ferenc Fricsay shapes it with a finely etched clarity and a restraint bordering on classical rigor. The result is a multi-textured orchestration that never feels too heavy or muddy.

CAST

Judith – Birgit Nilsson
Bluebeard – Bernhard Sönnerstedt

DETAILS

Location: Stockholm
Date: February 10, 1953
Conductor: Ferenc Fricsay
Catalogue Number: OD 10434-1
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 1
In Mono

BONUS

Birgit Nilsson Sings Excerpts from Ariadne auf Naxos
Stockholm, 1949