I already have the Abbado CD and DVD (two different performances) of this opera. The Abbado CD has Theresa Berganza and I really like her voice. The DVD had Frederica von Stade whose voice and acting are wonderful. But I also really like Cecilia Bartoli's vocals.
Seattle Ring cd set readily available from Tuesday at around $150 for the 14 cd set. Lots of great reviews of the actual production. Not sure if the CDs will live up to the high price.
There is a newer production than the 1968 Heger EMI recording - a 1977 recording on Eurodisc/RCA under Wallberg that was available on CD in a couple of incarnations:
You should still be able to get hold of it without breaking the bank. It's a very good set, but as I have not heard the entire Heger/EMI recording, I can't comment on which is preferable. Roland Graeme in the Metropolitan Guide to Recorded Opera writes:
"If I had to pick only one recording of the opera to live with, it would have to be the EMI set, because of its all-round excellence; the Eurodisc is a viable alternative, however, and may be the first choice of collectors who are attracted to Popp, the uncut score, the best recorded sound, or all three."
There was also an excellent highlights disc from the opera on EMI, which featured Fritz Wunderlich as Lyonel:
While Lyonel is in safe hands with Gedda or Jerusalem, Wunderlich is simply incomparable, even if Peter Anders in this old version (a studio recording from 1944 in less than great sound) runs him very close:
In any case, it's a charming opera - you should give it a chance.
Thanks for the recommendations. I will look into them. By the way I found a find Martha, complete, on You Tube, staring Lucia Popp (music only, no video):
Yes, with so many good tenors around (and conductors) we get the plodding Domingo and the whining Bocelli!!!
Were the other Bocelli attempts at opera on cd really so successful to justify this? I think he did Werther, Tosca, Pag and Cav, oh and andrea chenier. Better forget that one!!
I heard part of Wagner's Fliegender Holländer on the radio yesterday. It is most appealing. The story--what little I know of it--is also interesting. I might shop around for a version I have previously heard only the Ring and Parsifal.
I'm planning my first purchase for 2015 and it will definitely be Gounod's Faust. It will definitely be Andre Cluytens recording with the vivacious Victoria De Los Angeles and Nicolai Gedda on CD.
I haven't decided on a visual companion yet but I'm open to suggestions.
I'm planning my first purchase for 2015 and it will definitely be Gounod's Faust. It will definitely be Andre Cluytens recording with the vivacious Victoria De Los Angeles and Nicolai Gedda on CD.
I have changed my mind about Wagner's Dutchman. As an earlier Italianate opera, I feel it is not the best choice for a first Wagner opera for me.
I used to own the Goodall performance of Parsifal, but I donated it to the public library a number of years ago. While I liked it, I felt that German singers would appeal to me more (I am a native speaker). I believe I have narrowed my choice down to two versions:
1. Karajan : great sound, great price
2. Kubelik : I-think-I've-gone-to-Heaven sound, hellish price
Since you like Rossini and happy endings, may I suggest this. One of the greatest operas ever written.
This version is in Italian. The original French version is available as well. Libretto on dvd though.
I have both. AWESOME opera. 4 hours of perfection.
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