Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Varnay, Hotter, Kuen, Neidlinger, Madeira; Knappertsbusch. Bayreuth, 1956
$16.95
Description:
It's hard to be objective when assessing Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried. His contributions to this role—immortalized in the Solti and Böhm Ring Cycle recordings—have set a benchmark for generations of tenors. This earlier performance, however, stands on its own. The voice retains a youthful sheen that would begin to fade by the 1960s and has taken on a slightly darker hue, adding new dimension to his portrayal. Astrid Varnay begins the final scene a little rough but quickly warms up, capping off the evening with a stunning high C. Of the three Wotans, The Wanderer was always the best fit for Hans Hotter. The role’s declamatory style plays to his strengths, allowing him to shape Wagner’s long monologues with the same finesse he brought to his legendary Lieder interpretations.
Even with this stellar cast, Jean Madeira's Erda may be the true highlight of the evening—her short appearance is nothing short of mesmerizing.
In Mono
OD 11938-4
