Richard Wagner - Parsifal - Domingo, Meier - Thielemann (DG 2006)4CDs - DDD
Deutsche Grammophon 477 6006 1, released 2006
Domingo · Struckmann · Anger · Selig · Bankl · Meier
Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper
Bühnenorchester der Wiener Staatsoper
Christian Thielemann
Recorded live at the Vienna State Opera
Plácido Domingo and Waltraud Meier . . . are excellent. Domingo belying his years with an ardent yet introspective account, while Meier does not disappoint. Franz-Josef Selig and Falk Struckmann also make powerful contributions in the key roles of Gurnemanz and Amfortas. But what makes the set even more special is Thielemann's ability to integrate the strength and solemnity of traditional interpretations with the more modern tempi pioneered by Boulez. It's a tremendous achievement. - Record Review / Barry Millington, Standard (London) / 12. May 2006
The exciting news here is Thielemann's performance. No other artist in recent history can approach this magnificent music ever written. As Parsifal, Domingo's singing is astonishing considering his age . . . delivery will find this performances as fine as any he has delivered in this role . . . As Kundry, Waltraud Meier delivers yet another riveting performance in one of her signature roles. Her understanding seems to deepen with the years . . . Falk Struckmann . . . is a convincing Amfortas . . . Thielemann makes one feel as though one is hearing this work for the first time. Part of this comes from his understanding not only of the score, but also all the dramatic import of the words being sung: in other words, he almost seems to be in direct communication with the composer, who always put words first and the followed up with some of the most oratorios and Bach passions, is a committed, competent and occasionally even exciting Gurnemanz . . . The orchestra plays with the conviction and understanding of musicians who have performed this work countless times, and who respond with utter sympathy to heir conductor . . . Thielemann seems destined to be the Wagner conductor of the new century . . . Record Review / William Shackelford, Opera (London) / 01. September 2006
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