Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (Antonia Act - In German) - Kmentt, Lotte Rysanek, Wiener, Jahn, Stolze; Pleyer. Wien, 1973
$4.95
Description:
This recording offers a tantalizing glimpse into what must have been a spectacular performance of Les Contes d'Hoffmann at the Vienna State Opera. One can assume the decision to isolate the Antonia act was made by a devoted admirer of Lotte Rysanek—and it’s easy to hear why. Rysanek spins ravishing pianissimos reminiscent of her younger sister Leonie and rises to the act’s vocal demands with ease, culminating in a thrilling C-sharp at the end of the trio. Waldemar Kmentt, though more reserved in this act, shines in "C’est une chanson d’amour," revealing a burly yet lyrical tenor with surprising delicacy. Gerhard Stolze delivers an over-the-top Franz, providing a welcome moment of comic relief in an otherwise dark act.
In Mono
BONUS:
Lotte Rysanek sings "Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante" from Carmen
OD 12072-1
