Search - Mozart, Moser, Schreier :: Die Zauberflote

There's nothing wrong with tradition when the singers are th

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 10/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"EMI never thought much of this 1970s Magic Flute from the Bavarian State Opera, but in its traditional way the performance is of high quality. One notices ths immediately in the Three Ladies, who sing perfectly in tune and with considerable artistry. Sawallisch is a known quantity, reliable but not inspired. He understands how to make the opera go, and his orchestra, if a bit rough in the woodwinds, plays extremely well.



Since it's on tow CDs, this version cuts the dialogue to a minimum, but at least you get more than Klemperer provies (none). As Tamino, Schreier is young enough that his off-putting nasality doesn't grate too much. Otherwise he's quite effective and vocally secure. Walter Berry, who was Klemperer's Papageno, is among the best--he's a bit more hammy this tie around, which is fine. Eda Moser makes for a solid, full-voiced Queen of the Night. Rothenberger, often heard in operetta, is youthful and appealing as Pamina; she avoids the excessive passivity and pathos of others in the role. KUrt Mill is resonant and commanding as Sarastro.



Once you add up the pluses, in fact, this emerges as a first-rate Zauberflote, which lacks the most scintillating portrayals and yet is well ahead of Colin Davis, Solti (both versions), and Haitink. Only Bohm and KLemperer, in their classic sets from the Sixties, outdo this one. Warmly recommended."