Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Herrmann, Witte, Keplinger, Unger, Pflanzl, Adam; Konwitschny. Berlin, 1955
$16.95
Description:
Franz Konwitschny is the clear star of this performance, drawing elegant playing from the Berlin State Opera orchestra while giving the singers the breathing room required in Wagner's demanding score. Erich Witte's muscular Walther von Stolzing may lack some lyrical refinement, but he handles the role's vocal range with strength and confidence. A young Theo Adam impresses as Veit Pogner, foreshadowing the prominence he would later achieve as Hans Sachs. The Berlin State Opera Chorus is a standout, delivering an inspiring lesson in clarity of diction and textual commitment.
Josef Herrmann, as Hans Sachs, sings with sensitivity, though his tone can sound a bit constricted and lacks full bloom. Nevertheless, he manages to complete the role with stamina and integrity—a feat not every baritone can claim.
OD 11921-4
