This recording of Don Carlos reflects the performing traditions of this opera in Germany at this time (1968). There are huge cuts in the first two acts. There is no Tebaldo so Eboli sings her big Veil Song (one verse only) with the women's chorus. Much of the trio for Eboli, Carlos, and Rodrigo has also been cut. At the very end (to reflect, I think, Schiller's original ending) there is no reappearance of the Monk, Philip does not sing "Mio padre!" and Elisabeth does does get to end the opera on a high B; the finale is left entirely to the orchestra.Be that as it may, this is an effective, well-sung performance. Kozub shows why he was so popular in Europe with his burnished, heartfelt singing, and Watson is a lovely Elisabeth. Her final aria is worth the modest price of the set alone. Dalis is a very effective Eboli though one gets the impression her days in the role are numbered. Crass is a tremendously good Philip who sings his big aria with smooth, beautiful tone. His two octave phrase at the end of the Grand Inquisitor scene is also a highlight. Rudzak sings a wonderful Rodrigo. Hofmann is a frightening Inquisitor; he avoids the low E. Ludwig conducts a well-shaped performance. The sound is good enough; there is a sudden (and fortunately brief) volume lapse in the Auto-da-fe scene. This probably derives from a house tape.Not for the casual Don Carlo lover then, but certainly a worthy sample of operatic life in Hamburg circa 1968.

Dirigent und Sänger sehr gut. Ernst Kozub und Claire Watson sowie Irene Dalis, aber auch Franz Crass und Vladimir Rudzak machen die Don Carlos-Aufführung zu einem unvergleichbar höhrenswerten Erlebnis. Danke für die Veröffentlichung

Die Wiedergabe-Qualität ist gut bis befriedigend. Da die Oper in deutscher Sprache gesungen wird, ist sie vor allem für das deutsche Publikum von Interesse. Die Rollen sind mit guten Sänger dieser Zeit besetzt.. Eine Aufnahme, die ich empfehlen kann.The reproduction quality is good to satisfactory. Since the opera is sung in German, it is of interest primarily to German audiences. The roles are filled with good singers of the time. A recording that I can recommend.

Wonderful! Especially as I created editions of Kozub and Watson with the Hamberger Archiv für Gesangskunst in the past. At this time this great recording that was completely missing. Best greetings! T.