Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Adam, Ridderbusch, Kollo - Karajan 1970Performer: Helen Donath, René Kollo, Sir Geraint Evans, Peter Schreier, Karl Ridderbusch, Ruth Hesse, Eberhard Büchner, Horst Lunow, Zoltan Kélémén, Hans-Joachim Rotzsch, Peter Bindszus, Horst Hiestermann, Hermann-Christian Polster, Heinz Reeh, Siegfried Vogel, Theo Adam, Kurt Moll
Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Orchestra/Ensemble: Leipzig Radio Chorus, Dresden Staatskapelle, Dresden State Opera Chorus
Date of Recording: 1970
Venue: St. Luke's Church, Dresden, East Germany
Despite his disdain for some of the sillier aspects of grand opera, H.L. Mencken once said that Die Meistersinger was the greatest single work of art of western civilization--and to many, his hyperbole is forgivable when one contemplates the well-crafted structure of this most human of Wagner's music dramas. Of all recordings of Wagner's sole comedy, this one under the baton of Karajan at his prime has perhaps the best-balanced cast. The clear, youthful tones of Donath in the role of Eva must be close to Wagner's ideal for the role, while Adam makes a compassionate Sachs--though not quite as resonant as one would wish. Kollo's impetuous style is appropriate to the character of the lovestruck Walther. The orchestral playing has the clarity and transparency that is the trademark of the Karajan style, perhaps most appropriate in this, Wagner's happiest work. --Christian C. Rix
Listen to the tracks at Amazon
