Search - Richard Wagner, James Levine, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra :: Wagner: Overtures & Preludes

An essential Wagner recording

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 10/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a recording of outstanding quality both in terms of the sound and the performance. The MET orchestra is pretty unbelievable here in their ability to project so much character into the music. It is almost possible to picture Levine smiling as he conducts here as the music shines throughout. It is virtually impossible to hear this Rienzi and not be moved, same thing with Tannhauser and The Flying Dutchman. In my opinion this recording should stand with some of the great Wagner recordings of all time. Levine here certainly rivals Karajan, Solti and Bohm in his feel for this music. Karajan's 1987 Vienna Tannhauser may be slightly more nuanced but was not blessed with as superb sound as Levine. A first rate disc."

Expansive renditions by a top-shelf orchestra and conductor

J. Buxton | 09/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Met Orchestra, under the direction of James Levine, is widely acknowledged to be one of the world's foremost ensembles, whether in the pit of the Metropolitan Opera House, on-stage at Carnegie Hall, or on disc. This recording shows off one of this orchestra's strongest features: the ability to play long, beautifully arched melodies with an almost vocal quality, while still maintaining an orchestral sound of almost unimaginable depth. While some listeners may not appreciate Levine's occasional extremes of tempo, he and the orchestra always justify themselves with playing of almost breathtaking virtuosity and beauty."

Marvelous performances

Barry K Cummings | Delran, NJ | 04/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I heard the first track on this CD -- the overature to Rienzi, a work I have heard and performed many times -- on the local FM classical station, and I couldn't believe what I was listening to. Levine does things with tempo and with dynamics that are absolutely magical. I bought the CD to affirm what I thought I heard. The rest of the performance is as good as the first track. If you like Wagner, BUY THIS CD!"