"Denied the opportunity of taking over the Berlin Philharmonic at the end of the 1980s from Karajan because of poor health, the late Klaus Tennstedt nevertheless made a number of fine recordings with this world powerhouse during the decade, including the orchestral music from the operas of Richard Wagner.
This EMI "Encore" re-release of recordings Tennstedt and the Berlin Philharmonic made in the early 1980s focuses primarily on six orchestra excerpts from Wagner's immortal "Ring" cycle, and the overture to the composer's 1845 breakthrough opera "Tannhauser." Not surprisingly, given the Berliners' familiarity with Wagner under Karajan and Furtwangler, they perform the "Ring" excerpts, particularly the explosive "Ride Of The Valkyries" (which had its popularity with audiences boosted by its use in Coppola's APOCALYPSE NOW), with incredible power under Tennstedt's direction.
Equally remarkable, however, is how they and Tennstedt also handle the "Tannhauser" overture, certainly one of Wagner's most touching and popular single orchestral pieces, with the "Pilgrims Chorus" music from the opera bookending it. This ability to be romantic and restrained is also reflected in the Magic Fire Music from "Die Walkure" that concludes this recording. This is a remarkable introduction to the music of one of the most (if not THE most) provocative and controversial composers of classical music that ever lived."
Fairly decent, but lacking greatness.
Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 05/26/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Tennstedt's Wagner has some nicely detailed and impressive moments, though overall, I don't find myself carried away or terribly satisfied by his interpretations. There happens to be another conductor whose orchestral Wagner (not complete operas) I cut my classical teeth on, and who to this day still stands for me as a giant when it comes to revealing this music in all its glory---Otto Klemperer, whom Tennstedt cannot quite match in terms of commanding strength and grandeur. Even in many of his quieter passages, Klemperer conveys a vision of epic breadth. And where climaxes build and pinnacle, there is a sweeping presence, a sense of immense power and weight. This, I feel, is the kind of music that absolutely needs Klemperer's more massive and majestic approach. His performances of various works by Wagner with the great Philharmonia Orchestra are readily available."
An off day for a great conductor
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 08/29/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Klaus Tennstedt was famously insecure and erratic, a condcutor who could be incandescent in live performance but who could badly disappoint on CD--luckily, not very often. He had two outings with the Berlin Phil. in Wagner, but this is the inferior one. The brass section blats, the timpani crashes, the tempos waver, and there's a lack of depth in almost every excerpt.
Foortunately, Tennstedt made a second Wagner CD of overtures and preludes with the same orchestra that's much better. If you like everything he does, however, EMI has packaged both recordings in a bargain two-fer, now out of print but easily found on the used market."
A Bargain Introduction to Wagner for Friends who Think They
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/21/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Klaus Tennstedt and the Berlin Philharmonic make a powerful team in this recording dating back to the 1980s. Yes, the re-mastering is evident on excellent equipment, but that is a small compromise for this extremely affordable and well-performed series of excerpts.
Though there are many 'mini-Rings' for orchestra available (and many of those pack more dramatic, stage-like energy than does this one), this CD serves as a terrific introduction for friends who think they don't like Wagner's big music. Oddly, despite the title of the recording, Wagner: Orchestral Music from 'The Ring', the most successful reading is the Tannhauser Overture which under Tennstedt's baton draws truly eloquent playing from the orchestra. It seems an odd opening for a CD focusing on the Ring of the Niebelungen cycle, but it is a moving performance.
Tennstedt's overall concept of Wagner's Ring is sound, solid, and gives amazing attention to details. The excerpts he has elected to include are not plyed chronologically and for some experienced Wagnerites that decision may feel disturbing. He opens with Die Walkure's 'Ride of the Valkyries', progresses to
Die Gotterdammerung's 'Dawn & Siegfried's Rhine Journey' followed by 'Siegfried's Death & Funeral Music', and then comes the usual beginning of Das Rheingold's 'Entry of the Gods into Valhalla'. 'Forest Murmurs' from Siegfried receives an especially poignant reading and the excerpts close with 'Wotan's Farewell and the Fire Music' from Die Walkure. The 'suite' may seem odd at first hearing, but Tennstedt makes it work.
For those who prefer the Solti approach, this recording may sound a bit cerebral, but finding any new insights to Wagner's masterpiece is always a joy. And for the price this CD is a perfect introduction gift! Grady Harp, July 06