Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Reginald Goodall, Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra :: Richard Wagner: Parsifal

Oeheim, waz wirret dir?

Sean William Menzies | 04/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I prefer Goodall's WNO Parsifal, despite EMI's thin sound, to this one, but this is definitely an interesting recording and performance. It was captured all in one shot - 8 May 1971 - and it sounds like what it is, a radio broadcast. There is very little audience noise but some stage noise. It is live after all. Many have bemoaned the "incoherent" slowness of Goodall's Parsifals, that Wagner himself tended to conduct faster than most, but I've always found quicker Parsifals very irritating.



The singers are good all around, with Vickers being one of the main reasons to get this set. The sound is good but again is from a live BBC broadcast so, though big and lush and expansive, can tend to pinch a bit. Goodall's conducting is gorgeous, but the playing of the brass can squawk a bit here and there.



Definitely worth it if you're a Goodall or Parsifal fan. The length, breadth and lushness of this recording make it perfect for Sunday morning listening, when all your chores are done and no one is expected at the door. Goodall walks you through the dark Medieval forest of Wagner's disturbing mystical music drama, and he does it live."