Parsifal

Richard Wagner (1813–1883)

DESCRIPTION

The mystical quality of Wagner’s final opera, Parsifal, can leave first-time listeners feeling somewhat overwhelmed by its themes of redemption, love, and pity. Devoted admirers will insist that its mysteries yield themselves only through a lifetime of repeated hearings. In this excellent English-language performance, however, much of the work’s inner life comes more clearly into focus. The translation remains respectful of Wagner’s original text while making a measured effort to clarify some of its more elusive lines.

The cast is uniformly strong, with Anne Evans the clear standout. This was her only time singing Kundry, which seems regrettable, as she brings both a deeply human quality to the role and an admirable combination of clear diction and musical sensitivity. Warren Elmsworth, with his baritonal yet lyric tenor, proves well suited to the title role, and he too shows a keen responsiveness to the text.

Lionel Friend appears to draw on the Goodall school of Wagner conducting, favouring broader tempi that at times disturb the natural pacing of the dialogue, yet also lend the opera the expansive, monumental character that makes it so distinctive.

CAST

Gurnemanz – GWYNNE HOWELL
Esquires – PENELOPE MACKAY, CLARE MOLL
Knights – ALAN WOODROW, TERRY JENKINS, STUART KALE, RICHARD ANGAS
Kundry – ANNE EVANS
Amfortas – NEIL HOWLETT
Parsifal – WARREN ELLSWORTH
Titurel – DENNIS WICKS
Klingsor – RODNEY MACANN
Flower Maidens – CATHRYN POPE, ELIZABETH RITCHIE, SHELAGH SQUIRES, PENELOPE MACKAY, CHRISTINE TEARE, CLARE MOLL
Voice from above – ANNE-MARIE OWENS

DETAILS

Date: 1986
Conductor: Lionel Friend
Catalogue Number: OD 12359-4
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 4
In Stereo