The performance is excellent as far as must be imagined. However, it is sad that the 1969 sound resembles the Stokowski 78 rpm set more than the state of the art sound of 1969. One would never suspect the massive forces involved in this performance, and climaxes aredefinitely diminished by the engineering. Solo singers predominiate over the probably over200 insstrumentalists and chrous. Worth a listen, but only if you know this piece pretty well.

This recording was released years ago on the Arkadia label, but at the wrong pitch (slightly flat). Opera Depot has fixed that problem and I'm grateful because this is a beautiful performance that employs singers who never recorded these roles commercially. Janowitz sings an ethereal Tove, Sergi a strong, unstrained Waldemar. Ludwig sings the Wood Dove's central song so well you'll wish her part was longer. Lackner and Dickie are equally terrific in their important roles and Eva Pilz speaks the Speaker's part with joy and exuberance, rather like a German Puck. Krips leads his immense forces with a musical authority that was often underrated. The sound, a few moments of fleeting static aside, is excellent.If you've never heard Schoenberg's Technicolor gothic semi-oratorio, this would be an ideal introduction.

Janowitz is likeable, but not quite at ease with the tessitura. Sergi is impressive, especially considering his career was not stellar. I never heard Ludwig better, or a better Wooddove. And the choruses sound well rehearsed with a sufficient number of men for the 12-part writing. Krips leads it all with well-judged tempi and dynamics and the orchestra is idiomatic. That I can have an opinion on all this proves that the recording provides enough detail and perspective, although it is of course broadcast mono from more than a half-century ago. I've heard quite a few of the other recordings and also live performances, and recommend this as sufficiently different to recommend it as one more version for those who already own a favourite recording. Or maybe for Ludwig enthusiasts who need to discover this fantastic late-romantic work.

I absolutely love this piece, and as a chorister I've been able to perform it on two different occasions, onstage with singers like Jessye Norman and Hans Hotter, so I know this piece. I'm a Gundula Janowitz fan, so it was wonderful to hear her soar through this part. Christa Ludwig was perfect in her one scene, hardly brief, nailing every bit of it including all the optional high notes. The surprise for me was the tenor, Arturo Sergi (stage name...), who could actually sing Waldemar's part. Sing it! Most tenors strangle at some point but Sergi sang every inch of it really, really well.Bravo! The sound is quite good for the time, and overall it's simply a great performance of a stupendous work.