Wagner

Tannhäuser

Windgassen, Rysanek, Ericson, Wächter, Talvela; Suitner
Bayreuth, 1964

Regular price $26.95
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Tannhäuser

If you want to prevent a performance of Tannhäuser from coming across as static, the answer is quite simple: cast Wolfgang Windgassen and Leonie Rysanek in the lead roles. The two breathe life into the opera, giving it the kind of dramatic momentum you might expect from Act I of Die Walküre. The title role in particular can be a nightmare to cast due to its high tessitura and dramatic heft, but Windgassen makes it seem downright easy. Leonie Rysanek was the perfect jugendlich-dramatisch soprano—somehow managing to bring an ingénue quality to her roles while unleashing her formidable soprano voice.

Barbro Ericson is an appealing, if not completely seductive, Venus. Eberhard Wächter makes much of Wolfram's music.

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4.0 Based on 3 reviews
5 ★ 1
4 ★ 1
3 ★ 1
2 ★ 0
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Frank L.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Exciting Tannhauser

This is an exciting performance. Windgasses is great as Tannhauser. Rysanek is Rysanek: Either you love her or you don't. She definitely sings her heart out here even if there is a little vocal swooping. Suitner keeps this performance lively. The sound is very good; what one comes to expect from 60's Bayreuth. I enjoyed this performance.
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Excellent Performance in Excellent Sound!

Wieland Wagner was constantly experimenting with Tannhauser, both textually and in his designs for it. The overture is played with a definite ending and then we begin with what sounds like the Dresden version. But no: Tannhauser suddenly breaks in with "Im Traum war mir ", relegating Venus role to an almost comprimaria status. Ericson takes it all in stride and sings enthusiastically, but her voice isn't really suited to the role. Rysanek is thrilling, especially on top. She leads the Act Two ensemble with great authority and style. Windgassen makes his role sound easy. He sings extremely well and gives us a complete character. Talvela has one of the most beautiful basses I've ever. Wachter sings his big evening star song like a champ.The chorus and orchestra perform very capably for Suitner who leads a beautiful performance. The sound is excellent .
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Gianfranco P.✓ Verified Buyer

Italy

Overall rating

Gianfranco Porrini

Great performance
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