Description:

On this occasion, Caracas was treated to a performance of Tristan und Isolde that lives up to the phrase “all-star cast.” Birgit Nilsson is simply phenomenal in the title role, displaying the power, stamina, and commanding presence that made her synonymous with Isolde for decades. Jess Thomas, in one of his earlier ventures into the role of Tristan, pairs heroic force with a surprising lyrical sweetness, particularly in the more reflective passages. Irene Dalis brings urgency and fervent devotion to Brangäne, while Leif Roar, a singer unjustly overlooked in his day, gives a bold and engaging portrayal of Kurwenal. Giorgio Tozzi’s King Marke is the emotional anchor of the performance—sung with uncommon sensitivity and depth, his farewell alone would be reason enough to acquire this recording. The Orquesta Sinfónica de Venezuela rises admirably to the challenges of Wagner’s notoriously demanding score, once deemed unplayable by the Vienna Philharmonic. While this recording does contain the usual cuts common in the 1960s, the overall musical and dramatic impact remains powerful.

In Mono

OD 11604-3