Search - Weber, Keilberth :: Der Freischutz

After 50 years, still the most thrilling Freischuetz!

Ralph J. Steinberg | New York, NY United States | 04/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in 1959 by EMI's German branch, Electrola, this remains the definitive version of this all-too underperformed opera. EMI had the knack of assembling the finest casts under the finest conductors and supplying clean, honest sound. Keilberth, as I had mentioned in my review of his 1955 Bayreuth Ring on Testament, must have been the single most underrated conductor; he delivers what can be only described as a thrilling, moving account of the score, spirited, dark and foreboding, deeply lyrical and moving. Schock is by far the most appealing Max on records, Otto is the perkiest Aennchen ever, Kohn outdoes ever other Kaspar in subtle malice, and Gruemmer tops the cast as a truly ecstatic Agathe. Prey as Ottakar, Wiemann as Kuno, Frick as the Hermit and the rest of the cast are on the same incredibly high level. The Berlin Philharmonic was the greatest orchestra in the world at that time, and sounds it. Other recordings just don't match this one; let this be the one you purchase. One additional note: The dialogue is absolutely complete, even to the opening Act 3 scene in the forest. Get this!"