Wagner: Lohengrin (Complete Opera recorded in 1964)
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RICHARD WAGNER
Wagner: Lohengrin (Complete Opera recorded in 1964)
Jess Thomas, Elisabeth Grummer, Christa Ludwig, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau / Wiener Philharmoniker, Rudolf Kempe
[ Warner Classics Home of Opera / 3 CD Box Set ]
Release Date: Monday 1 February 2016
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Praised as much for its visionary intensity as for its vivid sense of theatre, this Lohengrin, conducted by Rudolf Kempe and recorded in Vienna, unites an exceptional cast: Jess Thomas in the title role, both idealised hero and vulnerable man; the radiant Elisabeth Grümmer as Elsa and, as Ortrud and Telramund, Christa Ludwig and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, subtly bringing extra dimensions to the two villains of the piece.
This classic recording of Lohengrin, conducted by Rudolf Kempe (1910-1976), boasts an excellent mid-1960s cast: Jess Thomas, an ardent and imposing Lohengrin, Elisabeth Grümmer, an 'unsurpassed' Elsa, Fischer-Dieskau, a vividly dramatic Telramund, Christa Ludwig, a virtuosic and insinuating Ortrud and Gottlob Frick, a noble and humane King Henry.
In the early 10th century, Germany has been invaded by the Hungarians and King Heinrich is in Antwerp to raise an army to combat them. First, he must arbitrate in a dispute: Telramund, set up by his evil wife Ortrud, has accused Elsa of murdering her brother, the Duke of Brabant, and is claiming the title for himself. Elsa calls on Lohengrin, whom she has seen in a vision, to be her champion. Unknown to her, he is a Knight of the Holy Grail, whose identity must never be revealed. Though Lohengrin successfully defends Elsa against Telramund, Ortrud contrives a tragic end to the story.
Kempe's perfectly judged and sympathetic reading of the score brings 'magnificent results' from his fine cast and from his superb Viennese choral and orchestral forces. The 'splendid' recording, made in Vienna in 1962 and 1963, has been newly remastered at Abbey Road Studios for this reissue.
"Magnificent results from all concerned: the playing of the orchestra is absolutely glorious throughout, the choral singing is very good and, often, very beautiful, the cast is excellent and the overall interpretation, under Kempe's alert and sensitive guidance, provides the required theatrical immediacy and tension" (Gramophone)
Award: Choc du Monde de la Musique
