Hans Knappertsbusch: The Opera Edition

'One of the great achievements in the history of the gramophone … For years to come, this set of records will be treasured as an almost perfect realization of Wagner's last, strangest and deepest thoughts.' The Record Guide (Parsifal, 1951)

'Schöffler is probably the best Sachs now living; his performance is full of wisdom and mellow humour… beautifully articulated and audible detail in all parts of the orchestra.' The Record Guide (Die Meistersinger)

'Knappertsbusch's rendering [of the Prelude] is so good that we sit back comfortably without a trace of misgiving. We feel the music is in good hands … Schöffler as Sachs is outstanding. His characterization is strong and vivid, the phrasing effective and the intonation almost uniformly true ... Fine ensemble in the choral singing and a remarkable understanding between orchestra and singers ... No one could fail to be delighted.' Irish Monthly, April 1952 (Die Meistersinger)

'Well-nigh ideal … The main cast could hardly have been better chosen … Above all, the conductor must be congratulated upon an interpretation which, in natural musicality, passion and subtlety, will not easily find its equal.' Opera, August 1952 (Parsifal, 1951)

'Here is Wagner set forth in the grand old manner and with unerring musical conviction … Sets a standard of stereophonic opera recording which may well serve as the yardstick for most future efforts in the field … This recording represents the most authentic Wagnerian styling to be had at this time...' Stereo Review, December 1958 (Die Walküre, Act I)

'The tempos Knappertsbusch adheres to throughout are slow but never sluggish. Clearly his is a highly personal view of a tremendously difficult work... The recorded sound is all that it should be, utterly transparent and full-bodied.' Stereo Review, November 1962 (Fidelio)

'Knappertsbusch's stately, architecturally conceived interpretation suits this gigantic score brilliantly. In his hands, the indescribably splendid orchestral sonorities, the magnificent choruses and the individual singers' contributions are fused into a glowing revelation.' Stereo Review, May 1965 (Parsifal)

'An enormously impressive achievement … The tempos here are less slow than one might have expected from this conductor - everything is made to move along, although the fervent spirit of the music and text is always foremost. The balances between soloists and orchestra are extremely good, and the recorded sound is remarkably clear.' Stereo Review, November 1965 (Parsifal 1962)

'As Gurnemanz, Hotter and Weber are both overwhelming in their own quite different ways. Of course, Philips has the fuller, richer sound, but the 1951 recording is still astoundingly good for "on location" work.' High Fidelity, December 1967 (Parsifal)

'this is how great music sounds in the hands of fine musicians when it is truly known and loved' Gramophone (Parsifal, 1962)