Pelléas et Mélisande

Claude Debussy (1862–1918)

DESCRIPTION

Pelléas et Mélisande receives thoughtful and finely nuanced treatment in this performance from Munich, where delicacy and emotional resonance are held in careful balance. Edith Mathis portrays Mélisande with an inner vitality that brings rare dimensionality to a character who can, in less sensitive hands, appear inscrutable or underdrawn. Her interpretation renders Mélisande as fully human, enigmatic yet somehow emotionally relatable.

As Pelléas, a young Wolfgang Brendel brings a confident, fervent presence, embracing the role’s tenorial demands with evident assurance. His bright vocal coloring contrasts effectively with Victor Braun’s Golaud, whose darker timbre adds gravitas without sacrificing vocal strength. Giorgio Tozzi, though perhaps no longer at his vocal peak, brings textual weight and interpretive insight to Arkel’s monologue. Hertha Töpper's colorful Geneviève is the icing on this sublime french pastry.

CAST

Pelléas – Wolfgang Brendel
Mélisande – Edith Mathis
Golaud – Victor Braun
Arkel – Giorgio Tozzi
Geneviève – Hertha Töpper
Yniold – Hans Buchhierl

DETAILS

Location: Munich
Date: June 30, 1973
Conductor: Reynald Giovaninetti
Catalogue Number: OD 12324-3
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 3
In Mono