Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Victor De Sabata, La Scala Theater Orchestra :: Wagner: Tristan und Isolde

Magnificient historic document

Robert Ryczek | Poland | 10/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is probably Tristan with the worst sound ever, I know other la Scala recordings from early fifties to compare them with it, and this Tristan is even inferior (occasional distorsions make sometimes orchestra inaudible). So, for those minding recording quality - forget it. But for Tristan lovers - account is magnificant. da Sabata conducting (traditional cuts have been taken)is brilliant, magnificient. The orchestra is sometimes less then precise, but overal aprouch is very dynamic, underlieing climaxies, and also very refreshing (!!) and full of ideas in somewere. The conducting, with its italianesqe spirit, cautching the human charakters of both protagonist. Gertrud Gros-Prandal is in full, secure voice, sings in a beutiful, little old-fashiond mood; and is able to sing incredible Milde und Lise at the end of the evening. Max Lorenz sings with his usual quality, with only slice of loosing strenth at the end of his long three act. The rest of the cast is redily acceptable. Magnificant dokument of the work of one of the greatest of Wagner conductors giving You possibility to hear de Sabata at opera house. Strongly recommemded for all loving Tristan with enough immagination and patience to hear such hirshing document."

This should never have been released

Reginald Shepherd | Pensacola, FL USA | 12/18/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand how anyone can possibly recommend a recording with sound as horrendous as this one. How can you know what the performance is like is the sound is, by turns and sometimes simultaneously, muffled and distorted, and so riddled with drop outs?



On the evidence of her Brunnhildes in Rudolf Moralt's 1948/49 Vienna Siegfried and Gotterdammerung (available in good sound on Myto and better sound on Gebhardt) and Robert F. Denzler's 1951 Geneva Walkure (available in slightly crackly but decent sound on Gebhardt), the never commercially recorded Gertrude Grob-Prandl was one of the great Wagnerian sopranos, with a gleaming, piercing voice, great power, but also beauty and control. Max Lorenz was one of the great Wagnerian tenors. I'm sure that a performance of Tristan und Isolde bringing the two together was a notable event. Unfortunately, from this recording one can't hear whether it was or not.



Archipel, which has put out some excellent live Wagner recordings in good sound, should be ashamed to charge money for this barely bootleg quality release.

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A warm and rhythmic Tristan!

Impostazione | New York City Area | 08/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Under the leadership of de Sabata, this Tristan is refreshingly youthful and exciting. The sound quality leaves much to be desired but the combined effort of the maestro, soloists and orchestra makes for a unique output, which combines the natural Germanic linguistics with that unmatched Italian soul. There is not a dull moment in this Tristan.



Kudos to Gertrude Grob-Prandl for her masterly performance. Her voice simply inhabits the space like one turns on a light...instant illumination. There is no effort in the preparation even for the highest notes, they just come out. This makes her unique among those with giant voices. Her superb legato and excellent pitch make her sound almost like a machine. Is there any stopping this woman? Wow!!



Max Lorenz sings well, but flats often. The other voices are beautiful and quite more than good. There is something special with this Tristan. I wish I could say just what exactly. I can say that I highly recommend it for those who are new to Wagner and/or like the old school of singing!



Fantastic!"