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Die schweigsame Frau
If you have never given Die schweigsame Frau a chance, now is your opportunity! The opera is based loosely on the same premise as Don Pasquale and flirts with all the same ideas of class and geriatric delusion. And although Strauss does tip his hat to a style that seems born out of the old tradition of opera buffo, he was not about to shortchange the audience on orchestral color and rich harmonies. It was quite wise for the Britons to present this performance in English as it gives the witty libretto a chance to shine, especially when in the hands of some first rate English singers. As Sir Morosus, the excellent bass-baritone, David Ward, gets a chance to display his cheeky side. Barbara Holt manages a demure and shrinking Aminta and then unleashes a monster of Elektra-sized proportions. She also conjures up some lovely lyrical singing with tenor Kenneth MacDonald. MacDonald deserves double kudos for both his lovely lyric tenor as well as his keen skills as an actor. With all the spoken dialogue the character has, this proves to be an enormous blessing (there is nothing worse than listening to a singer embarrass themselves when made to speak without the crutch of music.)
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4.6
Based on 10 reviews
✓ Verified Buyer
United Kingdom
Exactly as I remember it all those years ago (and exactly on my no longer playable reel to reel recording of the performance, less the car ignition noise at one stage from outside)David \Ward was alweays wonderful in this sort of part and in those wonderful days when there ws a Covent Garden company they were very good all round. KenMacdionald sadly missed - died gar too earlyJoseph Ward perfect castingand Kempe .....!Those were the days
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United Kingdom
One of the rarer Strauss operas
I remember seeing this opera once many years ago and wanted to investigate this recording because of David Ward, a singer I like very much. He’s marvellous, as is Barbara Holt, a name new to me. I will admit this isn’t my favourite Strauss , but it’s interesting to hear it again and there’s no doubt about the quality of this performance under Kempe
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United Kingdom
Where else will you find a recording in English
This is a good solid performance of a rarely encountered opera, in clearish (when Strauss allows) English and it is a very wordy opera. Characterisation is good and there are some very strong performances here The sound is good, a little congested at climaxes perhaps, but generally impressive for the time. Barbara Holt, who sings Aminta, is now in a care home a couple of miles from where I live and sadly has dementia, although when an extract of this performance was played to her she recognised her voice and really, for a moment, shone! Overall, very enjoyable and worth a listen.
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Germany
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United Kingdom
Robert Calder
I want only to protest strongly against the reference to "English singers" which names the undeniably Scottish David Ward and Kenneth MacDonald!!!!!
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United States
David Upton
I lived in Europe for eleven years and visited the English National Opera often. This performance rates a high standard for a difficult opera to sing. Strauss combines the conversational approach with singing, which is difficult to perform, as there are many words to get in within a measure and, as Strauss is want to do, the vocal lines are extensive. Thank you for finding this opera in English. I followed the conductor's score and am always amazed at Strauss' ingenuity.
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United Kingdom
John Johnston
Excellent ensemble performance from the resident Covent Garden company of the time, many of whom i recall, especially Michael Langdon, Kenneth Macdonald and David Ward with his warming Scottish burr. One of the few Kempe live Strauss performances and a treasure in this rarity.
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Joseph Brand
I was at the 1st night of this production and hadn’t remembered it too affectionately, but hearing this cd of a later broadcast performance I’m more than enthusiastic. Firstly, it’s an excellent recording and you can understand quite a lot of the text. Ward and Macdonald were indeed very fine but the greatest surprise is Barbara Holt. I saw her a number of times, including Sophie, but found her an unappealing stage performer but, my, can she sing! I’ve not heard better on any other recording of this neglected but delightful opera.
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James Mertins
Again this shows David Ward as the best bass-baritone to come out of Scotland and the UK. The best British Wotan ever, he had a wonderful sense of humour and he could laugh at himself,which most singers of his class very seldom do. Another great Scottish Bass in this set is David Kelly who sang many years at the ROH in many roles.
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David Inglis
I agree entirely with James Mertens ! The cast ,of course, boasts a third Scot in Kenneth Macdonald ,singing some of Strauss’s hard tenor music easily and beautifully. I believe it was Mr. Macdonald’s modesty that prevented him having a greater career in leading roles.The rest of the cast reflect the very high standards of the resident Covent Garden company at the time. The close working relationship with Rudolf Kempe is also evident.
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