A really first rate 'Mastersingers' in English. As much for Julius Rudel's conducting as for the wonderful cast of singers. Ara Berberian, an excellent Hans Sachs. Johanna Meier lovely as Eva, and John Alexander a near perfect Walther. The English diction is clear and understandable throughout, making this an unusually involving performance. The sound recording is more than passable.

I saw this at (what was then) The New York State Theatre as a teenager. It was my first Meistersinger, and, although I have travelled the globe to see this opera since then, this production will always be foremost in my heart. Great performance of a great opera.

Quite marvelous. I saw a very similar cast perform this. First, John Alexander is one of the great Walthers of all time. I've never heard the role more perfectly vocalized. Similarly, Johanna Meier is a splendid, radiant, beautifully vocalized Eva. The entire cast in quite wonderful and all of the singers are very experienced in singing opera in English. The English translation, I think by Andrew Porter, is first-rate.

Whether or not this Meistersinger was given in New York or on tour hardly matters; it is a joyous performance sung by a very capable cast. John Alexander proves once again what a fine singer he was with this lyrically sung Walter. He paces himself well and sounds as fresh at the end of the marathon as he does at the beginning. He is also one of the handful of Walters who actually sings the top C on "Ha!" at the end of his rant in the second act. He not only gets the note, but sustains it! Johanna Meier is a lovely Eva, giving us a nifty trill on her final "Keiner wie du". Ara Berberian sings Sachs so well and so beautifully that one regrets that he didn't have a bigger international career. Another reviewer here laments that Norman Bailey didn't sing this performance, but his Sachs is well-documented in both German and English on several other recordings. The other singers are all NYCO regulars. Diane Curry is a lively Magdalene, David Griffith an attractive David, Richard T. Gill a capable Pogner, and James Billings a humorous Beckmesser who doesn't go overboard with the schtick. The chorus and (reduced) orchestra all perform very well for Maestro Rudel who leads a satisfying, loving performance. He does make some cuts though (some listeners will sigh with relief while others will gnash their teeth). The sound is very listenable although Andrew Porter's translation isn't always discernible. It's quite clear in Act Three, less so elsewhere.

It is nice recording of Die Meistersinger, with less known singers (except John Alexander), who are up to the task. Powerful Ara Berberian is Hans Sachs to be reckoned with, because of the ease with which he is singing this demanding role. John Alexander is sublime (now it is no suprise any more) and very balanced Stolzing (between lyric and heroic). Johanna Meier is quite nice and orchestra under Rudel is a pleasure to listen too.

I saw this production when the NYCO did it in L.A. The only cast change of note is Ara Berberian. He's good, but not the wonderful Sachs of Norman Bailey, whom I heard. John Alexander was the best Walther I've heard in person and is one of the best caught on disc. Johanna Meier is a beautiful Eva. Rudel makes the score flow and brings out nice instrumental detail. Altogether a fine performance made better by the English translation of Andrew Porter.

interesting in English and with reduced orchestra which lets individual instruments stand out. Well paced by Rudel.