Wagner

Tannhäuser

Beirer, Grümmer, Synek, Fortune, Talvela; Patanè
Berlin, 1969

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Tannhäuser

This exceptional performance of Tannhäuser makes a persuasive case for one of Wagner's most vocally and dramatically demanding operas. The cast meets those challenges with both power and sensitivity.

Elisabeth Grümmer brings youthful vitality to the role of Elisabeth from her very first entrance. Her portrayal grows in emotional depth over the course of the opera, culminating in a moving Act III aria—"Allmächt'ge Jungfrau, hör mein Flehen!"—shaped with the intimacy and care of a finely crafted Lied. Hans Beirer may not match Grümmer's subtlety, but he demonstrates complete command over the role's formidable vocal demands. Liane Synek is a striking Venus, full of heat and intensity, and Martti Talvela adds authority and resonance as the Landgraf.

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Hinrich H.✓ Verified Buyer

Germany

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Full Cast List

Hermann, Landgraf von Thüringen ▪ Martti TalvelaTannhäuser ▪ Hans BeirerWolfram von Eschenbach ▪ George FortuneWalther von der Vogelweide ▪ Ambrosius GreinerBiterolf ▪ Klaus LangHeinrich der Schreiber ▪ Peter MausReinmar von Zweter ▪ Manfred RöhrlElisabeth, Nichte des Landgrafen ▪ Elisabeth GrümmerVenus ▪ Liane SynekEin junger Hirt ▪ Catherine GayerEdelknaben ▪ Irene Gerecke │ Adelheide Tettenborn Helga Profé │ Hannelore WonnebergerChor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper BerlinChorus Master ▪ Walter Hagen-GrollGIUSEPPE PATANÉProduction ▪ Werner KelchDeutsche Oper Berlin ▪ November 30, 1969
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Beautiful Performance, Good Sound!

Giuseppe Patane is primarily associated with Italian opera, but there's a lot of Italian opera in Tannhauser and Patane finds the right tone and pacing throughout this performance. He has an excellent cast. Beirer never won any awards for vocal beauty, but one can hear why he was so in demand for this repertoire. He was 58 when he sang this performance and his experience in the role is very apparent. His voice steadies out as the opera goes on and by Act Two he's singing nobly and well. Grummer is magnificent. She too was 58 or so, but you'd never guess it, her voice as beautiful as ever, her handling of the text exquisite. Synek is an exciting Venus with blazing top notes. I'm not sure which edition is being used as it doesn't correspond completely to either the Dresden or Paris versions. George Fortune was an American baritone in Europe and he contributes a mellifluous Wolfram. Talvela is a luxury as the Landgraf. The Shepherd boy is unidentified, but she has a lovely voice. The rest of the cast is excellent. The sound is good, a few crunching noises in the loud parts of Acts Two and Three notwithstanding. Tannhauser fans or fans of the singers should get this.
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