When I first became aware of Peter Hofmann in the 1980s, well after the noticeable wobble had started, so for me this 1976 performance was a revelation of what his voice had been capable of: secure through the range, with a youthful lyricism backed up with the power when needed. And no wobble. Bernd Weikl was to me an admirably elegant singer, and I was fortunate to see him in several roles at the Metropolitan Opera, including Amfortas. As he was only 34 years old here is Amfortas has less of the world-weary King and more of the "fear of the unknown" to me, but still glorious singing. Eva Randova is surprisingly good as Kundry -- I guess I am used to her more as Kostelnicka -- and her high notes are secure. I was good to hear Heinz Zednik, one of my favorite character-role tenors. i agree with the other reviewer that the sound is excellent in Acts Two and Three, but the Act One sound is like listening through a large, gauze bandage covering both ears.

cds in perfect condition, excellent sound compared with the age of the performances, very kind and very helpful colleagues in your house. At least six stars.

This was a truly fantastic year for the Bayreuth Festival and this performance of Parsifal doesn't let the side down. Mazura, Sotin and Hofmann are all fabulous and Randova provides an amazing tour de force as a desperate, unhinged Kundry. Ridderbusch and Weikl are also excellent as, of course, is Stein's direction and the orchestra's playing. It's a pity that the (cd) sound in act 1 is somewhat unfocused - although perfectly acceptable - and at a much lower level than the truly excellent results displayed for acts 2 and 3. It's a bit like sitting at the back of the hall behind a tall person during act 1 and then moving to the front of the stalls for the rest of the performance. But no matter; I wouldn't want to be without this set.

powerful singing with vocal beauty, highest-caribre orchestra, overwhelmingly dramatic phrasing and rich stereo sounds. In many ways this 1976 mp3 version with Peter Hofmann in peak form is much more attractive to me than the 1977 FLAC version with the same cast except Kollo as the title-role, and also has better clear sounds. In any case, no doubt Horst Stein was one of most talented Wagner experts in the Bayreuth history. Must buy!

very fine performance