The forces assembled for this performance of Tristan und Isolde are so distinguished that one scarcely knows where to begin. Erich Kleiber brings a sweeping grandeur to the score, driving the orchestra close to the limits of emotional intensity before drawing back to reveal colours more often associated with Debussy. Anny Konetzni is an Isolde of power, glamour, and delicacy, scaling the heights of dramatic expression with fearless commitment, even if the uppermost reaches of the voice can at times sound somewhat tentative.

Max Lorenz is a dashing Tristan, matching Konetzni in intensity and occasionally pressing beyond it, to the point where the line begins to distort in pitch and take on something of a Wagnerian sprechstimme. (One may wonder whether this serves, in part, to disguise a certain lack of complete security with the Wagner's meandering harmonies.) The remainder of the cast, including Karen Branzell as Brangäne, Herbert Janssen as Kurwenal, and Emanuel List as Marke, supports the central pair with admirable security.