Wagner Gala

On this CD:

1. Lohengrin, opera, WWV 75 Einsam in trüben
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Kirsten Flagstad
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

2. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Was duftet doch der Flieder so mild
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with George London
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

3. Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90 Weh, ach wehe! Dies zu dulden!
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Birgit Nilsson
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

4. Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), opera, WWV 63 Die Frist ist um
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with George London
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

5. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Ich sah das Kind an seiner Mutter Brust
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Kirsten Flagstad
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

6. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Der Männer Sippe
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Kirsten Flagstad
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

7. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b Du bist der Lenz
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Kirsten Flagstad
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

8. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Wahn! Wahn! Überall Wahn!
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with George London
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

9. Tristan und Isolde, opera, WWV 90 Mild und leise
Composed by Richard Wagner
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Birgit Nilsson
Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch

Tracks:

Les Pecheurs De Perles: 'Au Fond Du Temple Saint'
Louise: 'Depuis Le Jour'
Faust: Duet From Act I
Giuditta: 'Meine Lippen Sie Kuessen So Heiss'
Don Carlo: 'O Don Fatale!'
Don Giovanni: Sextet From Act II
Romeo et Juliette: Juliet's Waltz ('Je Veux Vivre')
Die Fledermaus: Watch Duet ('Dieser Anstand, So Manierlich')
Werther: 'Pourquoi Me Reveiller'
Samson et Dalila: 'Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix'
Tannhauser: 'Dich, Teure Halle'
La Perichole: 'Ah, Quel Diner'
Der Rosenkavalier: Trio From Act III
A Tribute To James Levine

Customer Reviews:

James Levine's 25th Anniversary Met Opera Gala.......2006-08-14

It is an incredibly beautiful album. As with any album I like some pieces better than the next but overall it is beautiful and soothing. I keep it in the car and listen to it in horrid traffic time. It helps!

Passing the acid test.......2004-07-04

My acid test is whether I leave the CD in the player for repeated (and repeated) playings. This one makes my cut. Every track is not as marvelous as some, but each has its charms. The whole adds up to a delicious opera excursion.

I saw this live and was completely captivated. Without the visuals, it is just as wonderful. I too wish they would release the rest of this marathon extravaganza. It deserves to be memorialized.

Great cd.......2003-08-13

i recommend this cd it's great to listen to while walking the dog.Opera makes fluffy happy.

Great variety of fantastic singers!.......2002-01-07

This is as good as it gets. An awesome roster of international stars singing some of the best (but not the most well known) selections in all of opera, and of course James Levine, the man they are all celebrating. It almost goes without saying that Levine's conducting is without comparison throughout the recording. He is truly one of the best conductors of the last thirty years, and he has molded the Met Orchestra into the best in the world. This celebration perfectly captures the incredibly broad repertoire that he is familiar for. It starts out with a well-rounded performance of the famous duet from The Pearl Fishers by Bryn Terfel and Roberto Alagana. When I bought the CD I had never heard the incredible melody that forms the theme of the duet, but it is one of the best in all of opera. Renee Flemming gives a performance of "Despuis le jour" that would be hard to match for sheer vocal beauty. Her final pianisimo is stunning. Domingo and Ramey sing a typically excellent performance of the Faust duet, while Ileana Cotrubas, in a Lehar excerpt shows why she was one of the best lyric sopranos of the last 25 years. "O don fatale" as sung by Dolora Zajick is the thrilling experience it should be. She nails the top notes perfectly and still maintains the warm fullness of the bottom of her register. The 'bravas' start almost before she finishes her final note. The sextet from Don Giovanni is given a world class performance (I have never heard it done better). Ruth Ann Swenson displays awesome coluratura ability in Juliet's lively waltz song, soaring to a high D in the final cadenza. I am not a big fan of Die Fledermaus, but if you are you will surely love the included duet. I was also never a big Alfredo Kraus fan, and I think he sounds more than a bit strained while singing the famous aria from Werther. Not so Grace Bumbry, who's seductive performance of Delila's music should be the standard for this aria. Deborah Voight's Tannhauser is impeccable, while Frederica von Stade sounds a little shrill in her aria. To round out the program is possibly the most exquisite performance ever of some of the most gorgeous music ever written; the final trio from Die Rosenkavalier. It will make a Strauss convert out of anyone.
There are no problems with the live sound, which is crisp, clean and sounds like it could have come from a recording studio. My only complaint is the lack of an overture or other orchestral number that would showcae the Met orchetra. Overall a CD well worth your money. Hopefully DG will release another CD soon with the rest of the concert. You won't find these selections anywhere else so every minute of it will be new and fresh. Fantastic for hard core opera fans or beginners. Highly Recommended!

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
A tremendous recording

Franck: Les Béatitudes

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Norman, Jessye | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Franck: Redemption; Nocturne; Le Chasseur Maudit; Psyche; Les Eolides [Australia]
Franck: Symphonic Variations; Les Djinns; Piano Concerto No. 2
Vierne: 24 Pieces en style libre
Zemlinsky: Complete choral works and orchestral songs
Franck: Quintet in Fm; Chausson: String quartet in Cm

ASIN: B000006O2B
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Les Beatitudes: Prologue
Les Beatitudes: First Beatitude: Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit, For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven
Les Beatitudes: Second Beatitude: Blessed Are The Meek, For They Shal Inherit The Earth
Les Beatitudes: Third Beatitude: Blessed Are They That Mourn, For They Shall Be Comforted
Les Beatitudes: Fourth Beatitde: Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger And Thirst After Righteouness, For They Shall Be Filled
Les Beatitudes: Fifth Beatitude: Blessed Are The Merciful, They Shall Obtain Mercy

Tracks:

Les Beatitudes: Sixth Beatitude: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart, For They Shall See God
Les Beatitudes: Seventh Beatitidue: Blessed Are the Peacemakers, For They Shall Be Called The Children Of God
Les Beatitudes: Eighth Beatitude: Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted For Righteousness' Sake, For Theirs Is The Kingdom Of Heaven.
Five Poems For Female Voice: The Angel
Five Poems For Female Voice: Be Still!
Five Poems For Female Voice: In The Hothouse
Five Poems For Female Voice: Torment
Five Poems For Female Voice: Dreams

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2005-11-20

I bought the recording after reading the review below. If anything he's understated his case for the piece and for this sensational recording of it. Everywhere else I'd looked I'd encountered ho hum appraisals of the work, yet historically it seems to have been well-regarded. I was confused by that but this one commentary put me over the edge.

Simply, this is a beautiful piece of music. Over-analyzing it, criticizing it because of alleged subtle flaws, damning with faint praise (the usual is that the long work has "many fine moments") just doesn't make sense. A good to great performance of this sells itself quite well without the millennial cynicism and insensitivity (not meaning callous but simply lacking in sensitivity). Judging from the listings and the many "no longer available"s I fear this heartfelt and spiritual work will disappear from sight sometime soon, probably for a long time. If intrigued, grab this one; the value is incredible. I loved the piece so much I also picked up the Jordan on WEA--not as spectacular an interpretation, and not as amazing soloists, but the finer engineering brings out a lot of the sensual beauty of the piece. I'm happy with both and will part with neither.

A tremendous recording.......2004-10-22

I am astonished to be the first listener to comment on this set.
Perhaps others were left speechless, in awe of Franck's score of sweeping majesty,
Kubelik's glorious realization, and flawless performances throughout. Superb sonics
Are a bonus in addition to the bonus tracks of Wagner Wesendonck Lieder sung by
Jessye Norman, conducted by Pierre Boulez. A must-have at any price.

Mario del Monaco: Historical Recordings 1950 - 60

Average customer rating:

One of the biggest voices of the past 50 years
The Biggest Tenor Voice of the 20th century

Mario del Monaco: Historical Recordings 1950 - 60

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mario del Monaco: Opera Arias
Beniamino Gigli: Historical Recordings 1927 - 1951
The Very Best of Franco Corelli
Grandi Voci: Mario del Monaco
The Very Best of Beniamino Gigli

ASIN: B000001XLU
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

'I pagliacci': Prologo
'I pagliacci': Vesti la giubba
'I pagliacci': No, pagliaccio non son!
'Il trovarore': Di quella pira
'Il trovarore': Mal reggendo
'Il trovarore': Ah, si ben mio
'Macbeth': Ah, la peterna mano
'Otello': Esultate
'Otello': Niun mi tema
'Otello': Morte di Otello
'Madama Butterfly': Addio fiorito asil
'Tosca': Recondita armonia
'Tosca': E lucevan le stelle
'Il tabarro': Hai ben raggione
'Il tabarro': Folle di gelosia
'Andrea Chenier': Un di all'azzuro spazio
'Andrea Chenier': Si fui soldato
'Andrea Chenier': Come un bel di maggio
'Les troyens': Aria di Enea
'Il Barbiere Di Siviglia': Largo al factotum
'Die Walkure': Monologue of Siegmund

Customer Reviews:

One of the biggest voices of the past 50 years.......2007-02-19

Mario del Monaco was not the most elegant tenor; he was not a great actor. But, man, did he have a big voice! He had one of the most powerful tenor voices of the past 50 years. We're talking Richard Tucker and Franco Corelli power here (and maybe even more at that).

Some examples. He sings "Largo al factotum" from Rossini's "Il Barbiere de Siviglia." He takes it at a fast pace. This work is normally sung by a baritone, but del Monaco makes it his own anyhow. He has fun with this aria and it shows.

For tenors, "Di quella pira" is a show off aria (from Verdi's "Il Trovatore"). The high C here is a splendid place to demonstrate one's voice. Del Monaco has the big voice for this; the high notes ring out. On the other hand, with the "shake" in this work, he is pretty rough and inelegant. But elegance was not del Monaco's forte; power was. His voice on the final notes sails above the orchestra and chorus.

Verdi's "Tosca" has two showstoppers for tenors: "E lucevan le stella" and "Recondita armonia." His version of the former is powerfully sung. Again, not elegant, no great characterization--but powerfully sung. A stentorian voice deployed to good effect. His singing of the words "la vita" catches one's attention. As for the latter, more of the same. If elegance you want, do not attend to Mario del Monaco. If you are intrigued with power, then he is someone you might wish to listen to.

"Vesti la giubba" was one of Caruso's most famous pieces. This aria, from Leoncavallo's "I Pagliacci," is one of the most well known works in the repertoire. Again, del Monaco's version is not graceful. His laughter works nicely; his voice is almost too much for this aria. Nonetheless, again, for those interested in the work of del Monaco, this is interesting to listen to.

All in all, a nice introduction to the work of Mario del Monaco. Personally, I find his power wondrous to listen to; on the other hand, I wish that there were a bit more elegance and subtlety. But the power of his voice is a natural wonder!

The Biggest Tenor Voice of the 20th century.......2005-08-01

Most music scholars and opera cognescentes credit the Italian from Florence Mario Del Monaco to have been blessed with the most powerful and biggest tenor voice in the 20th century. I wouldn't know about in all history, but for all I know, he could have indeed have the biggest tenor voice in history, since in the old days of opera -Baroque Era to the 19th century, purely lyric tenors with only some weight and power- like Caruso, were in vogue. When Monaco came along, he changed the course of tenor performances. He was singing in electrifying performances during the 50's- his career spanned the same time of Maria Callas' legendary performances. He even worked with Callas and Tebaldi in such operas as Norma and Andrea Chenier. Mario Del Monaco's most famous role was Verdi's Otello, still considered the greatest interpretation by any tenor of that role. This album finds him at his peak and he sings aria after aria in powerful, masculine, dynamic and beautiful voice, exemplifying the best way to sing in the Italian manner. Find out for yourself and put on this recording while listening to other tenors singing the same arias at the same time. I have tried it. Monaco's voice is far bigger and meatier than such celebrated tenors as Giuseppe Di Stefano, Franco Corelli, Jon Vickers, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavoratti. Vickers had a big voice as well but even his voice is thinner next to the hefty voice of Del Monaco. Not only that but Del Monaco was the first real "star" tenor at a time when soprano divas were always the stars. He immersed himself in the roles he sang and brought to life for post-World War II audiences.

This well-documented album showcases Mario's versatility in various Italian operas. The only non-Italian aria here is the last one, Siegfried's Aria and Monologue from Wagner's Die Walkure. But mostly, he sang in Italian as only singers from Germany itself sung in the operas of Strauss and Wagner. Americans or Italian singers sticked to the much beloved Italian repertoire. Monaco shows off his muscular vocal chords in the classic tenor signature aria - Vesti La Giubba from I Pagliacci, made famous by Enrico Caruso. In this aria, Pagliacci, just learning that his lady love Nedda has been unfaithful, is naturally crushed but has to perform that night and adopts a "show must go on" attitude. "Laugh, clown, laugh" is his motto in that aria. Monaco makes that aria more intense than any other tenor that followed him. His Manrico is the perfect vehicle for his heroic bravado technique and his Di Quella Pira is hands down the finest interpretation. Included here are arias from Otello, including the passionate "Esultate!" which soars above a powerful orchestra. Also here are stirring arias from Andrea Chenier and even a delightful rendition of "Largo Al Factotum" from the comic Rossini masterpiece The Barber of Seville. Surprisingly, Monaco does not seem perfect for such a role, since it seems to be vocally beneath him. Del Monaco was too serious and heroic sounding that such comic roles as a barber appeared like an odd stray from the norm. But it also proves his versatility I guess. For me, Mario Del Monaco was at his best in such roles as Manrico from Trovatore, Radames from Aida, Cavaradossi from Tosca (included here) Don Jose in Carmen, which he sung opposite Regina Resnik, Calaf in Turandot and Siegfried as well as Otello. Get this album and hear for yourself the voice that dazzled audiences and the man who is still beloved and talked about by opera lovers to this day.

Average customer rating:

Very engaging performance
Mozart Magic from 1959 Salzburg conjured by Szell

Magic Flute - Live Salzburg 1959

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mozart: Don Giovanni
Strauss: Four Last Songs, Arabella/Della Casa (Vier letzte Lieder)
Mozart: Cosi Fan Tutte

ASIN: B000001XMZ
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Ouverture - Wiener Philharmoniker
Nr. 1 Introduktion: 'Zu Hilfe! Zu Hilfe!' - Sieglinde Wagner
'Der Vogelfanger bin ich ja' - Walter Berry
Nr. 3 Arie: 'Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon' - Leopold Simoneau
Nr. 4 Rezitativo und Arie: 'O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn!' - Erika Koth
Nr. 5 Quintette: 'Hm, hm, hm' - Walter Berry
Nr. 6 Terzett: 'Du feines Taubchen, nur herein!' - Walter Berry
Nr. 7 Duett: 'Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen' - Walter Berry
Nr. 8 Finale: 'Zum Ziele fuhrt dich diese Bahn' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
'Wie stark ist nicht dein Zauberton' - Walter Berry
'Schnelle FuBe, rascher Mut' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
'Es lebe Sarastro, Sarastro soll leben!' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
Nr. 9 Marsch der Priester - Wiener Philharmoniker

Tracks:

Nr. 10 Arie mit Chor: 'O Isis und Osiris' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
Nr. 11 Duett: 'Bewahret euch for Weibertucken' - Erich Majkut
Nr. 12 Quintett: 'Wie? Wie? Wie? Ihr an diesem Schreckensort?' - Walter Berry
Nr. 13 Arie: - Karl Donch
Nr. 14 Arie: 'Der Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen' - Erika Koth
Nr. 15 Arie: 'In diesen heil'gen Hallen' - Kurt Bohme
Nr. 16 Terzett: 'Seid uns zum zweitenmal willkommen' - Drei Wiener Sangerknaben
Nr. 17 Arie: 'Ach, ich fuhl's, es ist verschwunden' - Lisa Della Casa
Nr. 18 Chor der Priestere: 'O Isis und Osiris' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
Nr. 19 Terzett: 'Soll ich dich, teurer, nicht mehy sehn?' - Kurt Bohme
Nr. 20 Arie: 'Ein Madchen oder Weibchen wunscht Papageno sich!' - Walter Berry
Nr. 21 Finale: 'Bald prangt, den Morgen zu verkunden' - Lisa Della Casa
'Der, welcher wandert diese StraBe voll Beschwerden' - Lisa Della Casa
'Tamino, mein! O welch ein Gluck!' - Wiener Staatsopernchor
'Papagena, Papagena, Papagena! Weibchen! Taubchen!' - Walter Berry
'Nur stille, stille, stille, stille!' - Sieglinde Wagner
'Die Strahlen der Sonne vertreiben die Nacht' - Wiener Staatsopernchor

Customer Reviews:

Very engaging performance.......2001-10-18

Hey
This is a great perfromance so good you forget the apallingly boxy sound almost immediately the first singers appear. Far better than most performances and about equal to the Lear, Diskeau, Wunderlich on DG. Good no nonsense queen of the night as well. Buy this and the DG set and you will have the best of both Worlds/

Mozart Magic from 1959 Salzburg conjured by Szell.......1999-02-11

GALA's reputation for issuing interesting and well-restored historic performances is well known to collectors of this label. This rendition of Zauberflöte is one of the best opera transfers I've heard on any label. A witty, lyrical production, Szell shows a complete mastery of the score (and an understanding of Mozart that is often overlooked by fans of this great Hungarian-American conductor). A stellar cast, including Lisa Della Casa as Pamina, Leopold Simoneau as Tamino and Walter Berry as--who else--Pagageno, is a wonderful Austrian dessert topped with the finest cream in the form of Erika Köth as the Queen of the Night. Lucia Popp is legendary for her interpretation (and recording with Klemperer for EMI) of the role, but listen to what Köth accomplishes in a live performance! Note and pitch and resonance perfect! Almost unbelievable. The only weakness is that of Kurt Böhme as Sarastro. A little past his prime, some of the low notes are just not there, though on stage his presence would have overshadowed such a shortcoming. This is a live boradcast performance, remember, not originally meant for CD release. Thankfully, it IS on CD.

Average customer rating:

Great performances at a budget price
Great performances at a budget price
Rysanek Reigns

Leonie Rysanek

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Strauss: Salome

ASIN: B00004ZDZY
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Customer Reviews:

Great performances at a budget price.......2003-08-12

For less than the price of full-priced 1 CD, you get 2 full CDs with fabulous performances by Leonie Rysanek, one of the greatest sopranos of the 2nd half of the 20th century. Leonie Rysanek's shimmering 'floating' soprano voice has no rivals. Birgit Nilsson's top notes were powerful but of another timbre. Birgit Nilsson's top notes are hard - like metal, like a laser beam. Leonie Rysanek has a 'soft' upper register. But soft does not equal no power. If you hear Birgit and Leonie together in Elektra, you will realize that Leonie can match Birgit in terms of vocal volume, note for note. The only difference is that Leonie has a flexible voice, the sound is different. So we have on record here one of the greatest voice this century - no less legendary than Birgit Nilsson, Joan Sutherland, Leontyne Price or Renee Fleming. But admittedly Leonie was more low-profile because she didn't do many commerial recordings so a lot of people who are not opera lovers are not aware of her.

So enjoy this wonderful CD!!

Great performances at a budget price.......2003-08-12

So enjoy this wonderful CD!!

Rysanek Reigns.......2000-12-30

Leonie Rysanek was a singer of great gifts and literally of many parts. Her career extended over 46 years and took her into almost every corner of the repertoire. This Gala recording samples 28 of the 46 years and includes selections from eleven different operas, and everything she does seems to work for her. The gleaming top of her voice made her a natural for Puccini's Turandot, but she was equally at home in the garb of Strauss's Marschallin. The three selections from Verdi's Macbeth are, to my ear, more exciting than her excellent studio recording in spite of the German translation, and the first act Otello duet has about it a gentleness often absent in performances of this music. I heard her twice in person and can vouch from experience that these live-performance recordings capture quite well the glow of her voice and the drama of her performances. She shares repertoire here with Callas and she is as deep into the understanding of these roles as was "La Divina." The difference is that Rysanek managed it all with wonderfully secure high notes. Her duet partners are not always up to her high standard, but George London in the Aida duet makes a brave sound, and I was impressed with Bernd Aldenhoff as Otello. It's Rysanek, however, who is the star attraction, a true queen of the operatic stage. The quality of the recordings is surprisingly good for live sources from up to fifty years ago. I highly recommend this issue.

Average customer rating:

A really nice surprise

Étienne Henry Méhul: Joseph in Aegypten
Helene Werth , Horst Gunter , Josef Traxel , Libero de Luca , Rolf Kunz , Ursula Zollenkopf , and Walter Wagner
Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Auber: Le Cheval de Bronze
Goldmark: Die Königin von Saba
Meyerbeer: Semiramide
Cherubini: Lo sposo di tre e marito di nessuna
Lalo: Le Roi d'Ys

ASIN: B0007WQH9O
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Customer Reviews:

A really nice surprise.......2006-01-06

This recording actually contains 2 performances of the opera Joseph in Egypt by the French composer Etienne Mehul. Both performances omit the spoken parts of the opera and concentrate on the overture plus the sung parts. The first performance was recoreded in Hamburg in 1955 and features the Yugoslavian bass Alexander Welitsch as Jacob, the Swiss tenor Libero de Luca as Joseph, and as Joseph's brothers Horst Gunther, Ursula Zollenkopf, Rolf Kunz, and Gunter Genersch. Although the original score called for all male soloists, Ms. Zollenkopf stars as Joseph's younger brother Benjamin and does a very fine job of it, providing a wonderful female counter to the male soloists. The Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the NWDR are under the direction of Wilhelm Schuchter. The opera is sung in German.

When I purchased this recording, I wasn't certain if either the sound quality would be good or if I would like the music. I was delightfully surprised by both. The quality of the recording is excellent - the orchestra and all soloists come through clearly and dynamically without any distortion whatsoever. And the music is absolutely fantastic. I've found myself listening to this recording over and over and I've yet to tire of it. It is easy to understand why Mehul was so well liked during his time in France, in Germany, and in a number of other countries and just as hard to fathom why he is almost forgotten today. Many of his operas enjoyed immense success in their day (late 1700's to about 1815 when his productivity decreased because of tuberculosis) and were translated into numerous different languages. As far as Joseph in Egypt, Beethoven, Wagner and Mahler all conducted it and had immense respect for the imagination and creativity of the composer. There are several solo parts for Joseph, Jacob, and Benjamin (sung by Ms. Zollenkopf)and they are all delightful melodies. I am most engaged by the short romances for Joseph and Benjamin - sweet, emotional and very direct - and the absolutely lovely terzetto for Benjamin, Joseph and Jakob which intermingles the parts of the three soloists in a manner in which many composers attempt but few are this successful. There are also a number of absolutely lovely choruses - not the booming choruses of a Verdi but quieter and more reflective types that are appropriate to the contemplative prayers issued by the captive Israelites. The chorus Gott Israels (O God of Israel) in which Joseph (de Luca) also has a part is particularly captivating. The chorus near the end Lobt den Herrn mit Sang und Saitenklang is very reminiscent of one of the choruses in Beethoven's Ruins of Athens, but Joseph was written in 1806 and the Beethoven in 1811. The choruses are all accompanied by very complex but subtle instrumentation that assists the choir with theme and mood but never overshadows it. In short, this performance of Joseph has fast become my favorite opera.

The second performance was recorded in Stuttgart, also in 1955. It also features Alexander Welitsch as Jacob. Josef Traxel is Joseph and again a woman (Frederike Sailor) is featured as Joseph's younger brother Benjamin. This performance is also sug in German and also omits the spoken parts of the opera as well as several sung parts that the first (Hamburg) performance included. Again the sound quality and performance are excellent, but to my tastes the soloists (Except for Mr. Welitsch) are not quite as good as the Hamburg performance and some of my favorite parts are missing from the second performance.

Also included on this 2 CD set are some selections from Massenet's Werther and Leoncavallo's Pagliacci which I have listened to but honestly did not pay much attention to.

I give this 2 CD set a 4.9 star rating. I would give it 5 stars except I think the inclusion of the Massenet and the Leoncavallo provide some distraction from the real subject matter. I would have been absolutely delighted to have just the 1955 Hamburg performance on one CD.

This opera and its performances are absolutely enjoyable. The music is neither light or heavy and just captivates me from beginning to end. This is a truly beautiful work by an almost forgotten master. Surely Mehul, a man of very humble origins, deserves a better fate!

Birgit Nilsson Sings Richard Wagner & Richard Strauss

Average customer rating:

The whole career of one of the greatest singers of all time
Birgit Sings Like Sweetness
A Document In The Grand Career Of Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005)
Great

Birgit Nilsson Sings Richard Wagner & Richard Strauss

Manufacturer: Gala
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Birgit Nilsson: Opera Arias
Or sai chi l'onore: Opernarien von Mozart, Weber, Wagner, Strauss
Nilsson Sings Verdi
Wagner: Opera Arias & Duets
Prima Voce: Flagstad

ASIN: B000001XNS
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Ariadne auf Naxos: Es Ist alles vergebens - Es gibt ein Reich
Salome: Es ist kein Laut zu vernehmen
Salome: Ah! du wolltest mich nicht deinen Mund kussen lassen, Jochanaan
Salome: Sie ist ein Ungeheuer, deine Tochter
Salome: Ah! Ich habe deinen Mund gekusst, Jochanaan
Elektra: Was willst du, Fremder Mensch?
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Es dunkelt, dass ich nicht sehe zur Arbeit
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Es gibt derer, Die bleiben immer gelassen Abtu ich von meinem Leibe die Kinder
Die Fau Ohne Schatten: Die Weib ist irre - Barak, ich hab es nicht getan
Tannhauser: Dich, teure Halle
Lohengrin: Euch Luften, die mein Klagen
Lohengrin: Elsa!-Wer Ruft?
Lohengrin: Ortrud, wo bist du?

Tracks:

Tristan und Isolde: Horst du sie noch?
Tristan und Isolde: Mild und leise wie er lachelt
Die Walkure: Schlafst du, Gast?
Die Walkure: Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond
Die Walkure: De bist der Lenz
Die Walkure: O susseste Wonne! Seligstes Weib!
Die Walkure: Siegmund heiss ich und Siegmund bin ich!
Siegfried: Ewig war ich, ewig bin ich
Gotterdammerung: Schweigt eures Jammers jauchzenden Schwall
Gotterdammerung: Starke Scheite, Schichtet mir dort

Customer Reviews:

The whole career of one of the greatest singers of all time.......2007-01-14

I could nor beleive my eyes when I saw the price of this recording. It covers the whole career of the greatest Wagner and Strauss singer in the last half of the 20th Century. I think the whole performance of Ariadne of Naxos allurs in the archives of the Swedish Broadcasting company - a release, please!
When the news arrived that La Nilsson hade died in her home, surrounded by family members and near friends, on Christmas Day 2005 (kidneys not functioning, and no more dialysis possible) - we at once underrstand her uniquiness - there was nobody there to take over the helm and shield....It is quite wonderful that this eextensive compilation was published just recently. It is a very worthy portrait of a blessed singer!

Birgit Sings Like Sweetness.......2007-01-08

This is the first time I had heard Birgit Nilsson sing. The CD was great. However, I did have to blast the music because it is the original recording on the CD. Besides the quality it is worth purchasing if you want to hear one of the best. Her voice is clear and sweet, and welcoming to the ears.

A Document In The Grand Career Of Birgit Nilsson (1918-2005).......2006-03-23

The great soprano from Sweden, Birgit Nilsson, once contemplated suicide when she met with dismal reviews in her first perfomrance as Agathe from Weber's Die Freitschutz, for she was inexperienced and fresh out of the farm she grew up in. She went on to become the greatest dramatic soprano of all time, and for me, she is an even more thrilling and masterful soprano than the overrated Maria Callas. Birgit Nilsson died of unknown causes in her hometown of Sweden on Christmas of '05 only months ago. Her huge, steely, bright, metallic voice was reportedly capable of breaking glass and stone. This album covers many years in her career. Her Ariadne is not well known and it's captured in a young voice (50's) and she is in phenomenal shape. The dramatic heft of the role is suited to her voice. Wagner was her specialty of course and here we have slices of her Elisabeth from Tannhauser. She also sang Venus. Isolde was another great role of hers (the one she debuted at the Met) and Brunhilde is of course her best role. Singing Strauss is no piece of cake but when we listen to her Salome and Elektra and Dryer's Wife from Die Frau we are hearing a woman who, despite age, is singing with strength and vigor. She gets into character each time and she sings beautifully. All fans of La Nilsson must get this one.

Great.......2003-08-20

This is a very good CD for people who follow Birgit Nilsson's development. It contains live performances from 1949 (Ariadne auf Naxos - Nilsson sang Ariadne!!) to 1977 (Dyer's Wife in Die Frau Ohne Schatten). You can see her development from young to old over close to 30 years. For someone like me who have many of Birgit Nilsson's commercial recordings, this is a great CD too because it allows me to compare her 'live' performances with the studio recordings. It also enables me to see how her voice developed over the years. For instance, her voice grew in warm as she progressed in her career. By 1977, her voice had lost some ease - you can tell that she has to sing with more effort but her top register is still amazing, the gleam is still there even if it is more effortful to produce (when I say effortful I mean by young Birgit Nilsson standards - if you compare with other singers, she still sings effortlessly). Imagine - by 1977, she was 59 and she still puts singers singers half her age at 30 to shame. A very interesting CD in very mono sound. 5 stars for Nilsson's superb performances (her vocalism never fails to amaze me), for a fantastic variety of excerpts, for very mono sound, for the historical importance of this CD and for the incredible bargain price ... for 2 CDs.

Customer Reviews:

Clemenza.......2006-05-29

The recording is exceptionally good and clear and I cannot understand to what the last reviewer is referring.The cast is strong and Janet Baker is first rate. Any reservation would be about the cast, only because we all have our favourites. For the price you can't go wrong!

Poor Sound Quality.......2005-11-06

Although "Clemenza" is a great opera, the sound quality of this CD is poor. It's been recorded live in London, but with old tech, which means you can hear voices and coughs from the audience.

I have looked for a Clemenza CD, but only found this one. If you want to listen to this opera its ok (any Mozart music is brilliant), but if you are searching for a great version, try looking for another version. Please, if you find one, email me! :-) (Thanx!)