Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos (In German & English) - J. Meier, Stapp, Wise; Keene. 1974
$9.95
Description:
If you are unfamiliar with these American singers—unjustly forgotten over time—this recording is a must-hear. Johanna Meier is simply radiant in the title role, her clarion-pure voice soaring effortlessly in the climaxes, rivaling the finest Strauss sopranos of the 20th century.
Olivia Stapp takes on the role of the Composer, demonstrating why this part is best suited for a soprano (as Lotte Lehmann, its originator, proved). Her final high B-flat at the end of the aria is the kind of thrilling moment that defines great opera. Patricia Wise delivers an utterly charming Zerbinetta. A role often relegated to chirpy sopranos due to its demands, she instead brings a welcome legato line and vocal color that elevate her performance.
An intriguing aspect of this recording is the language choice: the Prologue and all the commedia dell’arte sections are sung in English, while Ariadne’s story is performed in German. The sound quality is good.
OD 10687-2
