Perhaps the crowning achievement of Irene Dalis ’s career was her participation in Hans Knappertsbusch’s legendary performances of Wagner’s Parsifal at the Bayreuth Festival, a role she obtained in part through the recommendation of Martha Mödl, who felt that she could no longer do the role justice. On the occasion of the July 27, 1962 performance, however, Dalis fell indisposed. Fortunately, Astrid Varnay was on hand to take over as Kundry. By 1962, Varnay already had two decades of professional experience, and that shows in the confidence and grit she brings to the performance, despite having had no rehearsal.

Jess Thomas sings Parsifal with sweetness and power, while Gustav Neidlinger as Klingsor imparts malevolence with a touch of much-needed vocal glamour—a reminder that this character was once a Knight of the Grail before having fallen to the “dark side.” It is also worth noting the exquisite array of Flower Maidens assembled, including Gundula Janowitz and Anja Silja. Hans Knappertsbusch, perhaps galvanized by the late addition to the cast, commands a performance of greater intensity than many of his other accounts of this opera.