The opening of the post-war Bayreuth in 1951 heralded an era of legendary performances, many of which remain unsurpassed to this day. This Parsifal from 1953 is one such performance. Ramón Vinay's burnished tenor manages to convey both the strength and youth of Parsifal, creating an alluring presence during the Flower Maiden scene and a credible spiritual leader during the Good Friday scene. It's clear why Martha Mödl was often referred to as the "German Callas." Mödl becomes completely possessed by Kundry without letting the character devolve into empty histrionics, and her voice shows almost none of the wear and tear that would mar her performances just a few years later. Ludwig Weber is a noble Gurnemanz, and George London delivers pristine vocalism and stoic anguish in portraying Amfortas' plight. Clemens Krauss deftly balances the transparent, opulent, and dramatic colors of Wagner's delicate score.