Great interpretations of Wagner classics!
06/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Klaus Tennstedt definitely had a great feel for the complex and emotional music of Richard Wagner, and this recording shows this sensitivity. The Berlin Philharmonic, as usual, plays exquisitely well under Tennstedt's direction. There are other recordings of Wagner pieces out there that are equally as good as this, but this recording is the one that I would recommend the most. The performance of "Entrance of the Gods into Valhalla" is especially earth-shattering, while the Act I prelude to Lohengrin is absolute musical beauty at its best. If you're a Wagner lover or are just being introduced to his great music, this recording is definitely worth listening to."
Great Wagner
Prescott Cunningham Moore | 10/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Klaus Tennstedt's recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic of the great Wagner overtures and preludes is quite good. The Berlin Philharmonic, as always, sounds wonderful, especially the amazing brass playing. The recorded sound is, for the most part, very clear. Tennstedt's interpretations are good. His tempos are appropriate, the orchestral is well balanced and rehearsed, and the overall quality is quite high. However, he also has a welcomed level of control over the Philharmonic. Never does he let the music run out of his hands. Often times, conductors get over-involved in the histrionics of Wagner. Rather, as mentioned before, Tennstendt's balance keeps the works from becoming bombastic. But the performances are still electrifying. A very good CD."