Brave old world of Wagner singing (not so much concerning the choir). Lorenz and Weber are exceptional; The beauty of Webers mellifluous bass, the intensity and experience of Lorenz in the autumn of their careers, the overwhelming Leonie Rysanek at the spring - even start - of hers and Braun, later only a shadow, filling up some small supporting roles, in his best voice. If I am not wrong, even Rysanek's then actual husband I (Großmann) is present as Biterolf - thank János for the completion of the cast. Well working conductor, fair sound. So nice to have it!

First of all: here is the complete cast of this performance.Hermann, Landgraf von Thüringen: Ludwig WeberTannhäuser: Max LorenzWolfram von Eschenbach: Hans BraunWalther von der Vogelweide: Hans BlessinBiterolf: Rudolf GroßmannReinmar von Zweter: Erno ZuerrerHeinrich der Schreiber: Hugo KratzElisabeth, Nichte des Landgrafen: Leonie RysanekVenus: Georgine von MilinkovičEin junger Hirt: Josette BertrandChœur de l'Opéra de MarseilleL'Orchestre philharmonique de MarseilleOtto AckermannOpéra de Marseille, 5. März 1954As I know though fortunately we have a lot of live records with the great Max Lorenz (among others in Opera Depot) it is the only complete Tannhauser with him, so it is not only an excellent performance but also a very important document. There are earlier commercial and live records with Lorenz in this role, but they are only excerps from Wagner's masterpiece. Here we can hear him a little bit far from his peak (at the age of 53) but providing a perfect illusion. His performance includes tone beauty and passion, lyrical and heroic moments. He is completely in control of the role. He knows everything about his hero and able to provide a complete portrait about him. The young Leonie Rysanek is also excellent in the role of Elisabeth, her "Dich teure Halle" is full with ecstasy while her prayer is the specimen of spirituality. Hans Braun is very good in the role of Wolfram, while Ludwig Weber perfectly realizes the authority of the Landgraf. A little bit confusing that the choir - which is the weakest link - sings in French. Otto Ackermann conducts an exciting performance. The sound is good. Highly recommended.

good performance, although Max Lorenz had his climax already clearly behind him (to be fair, a lot of other Tannhäusers would be glad to perform this role like that...) Rysanek, Milinkovic and Weber excellent. I think, there have been better conductors at this time than Ackermann. Overall summary: I'm happy to have this record in my collection. Technical quality is ok

Eine Aufnahme von 1954 mit erstaunlich guter Wiedergabequalität. In dieser Aufnahme beginnt Leonie Rysanek ihre Weltkarriere, die einige Jahrzehnte andauerte. Max Loren sing den Tannhäuser ohne stimmliche Probleme, obwohl er am Ende seiner Sänger Laufbahn angekommen ist. Alle Mitwirkende sind hörenswert und singen mit schöner Stimme. Eine Aufnahme, die es sich lohnt zu besitzen.A recording from 1954 with astonishingly good reproduction quality. This recording marks the beginning of Leonie Rysanek's international career, which lasted several decades. Max Loren sings Tannhäuser without any vocal problems, although he has reached the end of his singing career. All the performers are worth listening to and sing with beautiful voices. A recording that is well worth owning.

C'est bien sur l'inespérée rencontre d'un Max Lorenz en fin de carrière, mais encore fabuleux, et d'une radiante Leonie Rysanek à l'aube de la sienne, qui fait la valeur inestimable de cet enregistrement. Et en plus le grand Ludwig Weber dans le Landgraf ! G.von Milinkovic (Venus) et Hans Braun (Wolfram) ne déparent pas ce tableau. Belle direction d'Otto Ackermann, seuls les chœurs sont un peu limite. Le son est très correct.