Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (In Italian) - Taddei, Rizzoli, Infantino, Capecchi; von Matačić. Torino, 1962

$8.48

Listen to a Sample:

Yes, this performance is in Italian, but I would caution you from dismissing it as a mere odditiy. In fact, it is somewhat of a revelation, thanks to the insightful leadership of Lovro von Matačić . The odd missed entrance notwithstanding, the orchestra plays with exceptional sensitivity, particularly the sings, who bring a lyricism to Wagner's soaring melodies that brings to mind the superb playing from the La Scala orchestra in the 1950 Furtwängler Ring Cycle.
Giuseppe Taddei is a lighter-grained Sachs, but he manages the pacing of this grueling role well, and sings with delicacy and charm.
Renato Capecchi's Beckmesser stands up vocally to Taddei, but still finds a good balance between antihero and lovable comic foil.
Boris Christoff sonorous bass proves itself an excellent fit for the role of Veit Pogner.
The master I received had some distortion, and was a little under-pitch. I have corrected these issues.