Wagner: Parsifal/Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

1. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act I: Prelude
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
2. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act I: Nun achte wohl und laß mich seh'n-Zum letzten Liebesmahle
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
3. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act II: Vorspiel zum-Die Zeit ist da
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
4. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act II: Wie lachen ihm die Rosen der Wangen-Hier! Hier war das Tosen-Ihr schönen Kinder
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
5. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act II: und willst Du uns nicht schelten-Komm komm holde Knabe
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
6. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act II: ...sie beut dir heut' als Muttersegens letzten Gruß-Amfortas! die Wunde
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
7. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act II: Hilfe! Hilfe! Herbei!
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
8. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act III: Prelude
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
9. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act III: Du siehst das ist nicht so
   Composed by Richard Wagner
   with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
   Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
   
   
10. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act III: Ich sah sie welken die einst mir lachten
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
    Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
    
    
11. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Verwandluingsmusik
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
    Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
    
    
12. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act III: Geleiten wir im bergenden Schrein
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
    Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
    
    
13. Parsifal, opera, WWV 111 Act III: Höchsten Heiles Wunder
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Maria Schober, Anny Konetzni, Dora Komarek, Dora With, Herbert Alsen, Hermann Wiedemann, Hans Grahl, Esther Rethy, Elisabeth Rutgers, Luise Helletsgruber
    Conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch
    
    
14. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act I: Prelude
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
15. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act I: Halt Meister! Nicht so geeilt!
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
16. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: Was duftet doch der Flieder
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
17. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: Gut'n Abend Meister
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
18. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: Jerum! Jerum! Hallohallohe!
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
19. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: Oha! Wollt mich beim Wahne fassen
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
20. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: So lang als Beckmesser lebt
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
21. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: ...daß mit Vergunst-Ist das erlaubt so spät zur Nacht?
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
22. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: Prelude
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
23. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: Wahn1 Wahn! Uberall Wahn!-Grüß Gott mein Junker
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
24. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: doch laßt dem Ruh'-Mein Freund in holder Jugendzeit
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
25. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: O Sachs mein Freund-Aha da streicht die Lene schon um's Haus-Ein Kind ward hier geboren
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
26. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: Selig wie die Sonne-Verwandlungsmusik
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
27. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act II: Wach auf! Es nahet gen den Tag
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
28. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: ...sein Töchterlein sein höchstes Gut-O Sachs mein Freund!
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
29. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: das Lied fürwahr ist nicht von mir
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    
30. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96 Act III: Verachtet mit die Meister nicht-Ehrt eure deutschen Meister
    Composed by Richard Wagner
    with Wolfgang Markgraf, Rudolf Bockelmann, Tiana Lemnitz, Georg Hann, Erich Burger, Erich Zimmermann, Hans Krenn, Julius Brombacher, Julius Katona, Georg Heckel, Karl Mikorey, Ruth Berglund, Eugen Fuchs, Josef von Manowarda, Eyvind Laholm, Andre von Diehl
    Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
    
    

Wagner: Parsifal/Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,Richard Wagner,Hans Knappertsbusch,Wilhelm Furtwängler,Andre von Diehl,Anny Konetzni,Dora Komarek,Dora With,Elisabeth Rutgers,Erich Burger,Erich Zimmermann,Esther Rethy,Eugen Fuchs,Eyvind Laholm,Georg Hann,Georg Heckel,Hans Grahl,Hans Krenn,Herbert Alsen,Hermann Wiedemann,Josef von Manowarda,Julius Brombacher,Julius Katona,Karl Mikorey,Luise Helletsgruber,Maria Schober,Rudolf Bockelmann,Ruth Berglund,Tiana Lemnitz,Wolfgang Markgraf,Koch Schwann (Germ.),Classical,German/Austrian Romantic Opera,Opera,Opera / Operetta / Oratorio

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Average customer rating: Wonderful collection and price! Awesome collection! Helicopters? Marines? A great addition to my music collection Quintessential Wagner

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Overture & Preludes The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Wagner without Words 25 Thunderous Classics ASIN: B000009ON7 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
2. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
3. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
4. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
5. The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
6. The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
7. The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
8. Tannhauser: Overture
9. Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
10. Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
11. Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
12. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
13. Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
14. The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
2. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
3. Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
4. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
5. Parsifal: Transformation Scene
6. Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
7. Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
8. The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
9. The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
10. Siegfried Idyll
11. Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
12. Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
13. Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

Average customer rating: A well-kept secret Essential Wagner Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not! Go For Boult Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans

Wagner: Overtures & Preludes Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition ASIN: B000002S08 Release Date: 1992-09-29

Tracks:

1. Tannher: Overture
2. Tannher: Grand March
3. Der Fliegende Holler: Overture
4. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 1
5. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 3
6. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Overture
7. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act 3
8. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 1

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 3
2. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 1
3. Parsifal: Act 1 Transformation scene
4. Parsifal: Prelude to Act 3
5. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
6. Das Rheingold: Entrance of the Gods
7. Die Walkure: Ride of the Walkyries
8. Siegfried: Forest murmurs
9. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
10. Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Funeral March

Customer Reviews:

A well-kept secret.......2007-05-18

Everyone wants to have a crack at the "bleeding chunks" eventually, and while I love the flashier Stoky and Furtwangler approach, I wouldn't want to be without the Boult. He's a great Wagnerian, strange as it may seem. Who could blame him for not wanting to go down in history merely as the finest Holstian? As long as this stays in print, Ormandy will still be considered the least sexy conductor. (I heard CBS researchers found an Ormandy fan once!)

Essential Wagner.......2006-06-17

As a child, this set was my first experience of Wagner's music, and it made quite an impression on me. However, as I grew older and began to collect the full operas I felt I could surely do better than Adrian Boult and the British for a collection of the preludes, overtures, and orchestral music from the operas. I was wrong. I have yet to here any recordings that can match the power and intensity as demonstrated in these discs from Boult and the LSO (and LPO). The Meistersinger prelude alone is worth the price, and the only version of the prelude to Tristan which outdoes the one here is Bohm's live 1966 Tristan. The Solti, Karajan, and Klemperer highlight discs have their moments (and truthfully, I do prefer Solti and Karajan for the "Ring" highlights), but their contributions are greatest in the full operas, and overall, they simply can't muster the power and intensity that Boult brings to these preludes, overtures, etc.

Even if you have other compilations of Wagner's music in "bleeding chunks", I can assure you they don't come close to this one; and with two discs (the second containing mostly music from Parsifal and the "Ring") at 14 bucks, there is absolutely no excuse not to have this essential recording. So go ahead and buy this disc, never buy another Wagner compilation again, and with the money you save get started on the more important task at hand: the full operas.

Excellent Wagner from a surprising source ... or maybe not!.......2004-09-27

Does Sir Adrian Boult conjure up of images of Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughn Williams, but not Wagner? You're not alone! Nevertheless, this is a double CD set not to be missed! Many years ago, I was listening to a classical radio music station in NYC that was playing the music of Wagner. The performance was so good, that I wouldn't leave the radio until I found out the name of the conductor. When the announcer said the conductor was Sir Adrian Boult, I was quite surprised. I had recordings of English music from Sir Adrian on Angel/EMI, but I never associated that conductor with Wagner. Having been blessed with a friend who had knowledge of classical music way beyond his years, I gave him a call to find out more about the recording. He told me that, Boult had solid expertise in the area of Germanic music, but, in England, had been overshadowed in that repertoire by Otto Klemperer. He told me not to be surprised about Boult's very fine Wagner, it was an excellent recording to purchase and, indeed, search out Sir Adrian's wonderful performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (now available on Vanguard). Fast-forward many years and I find myself browsing through Amazon for a recording of Wagner's Overtures and Preludes. Like everyone else I know, I foolishly jettisoned my LPs in the 1990s and have been "back-filling" ever since. Well, I was able to obtain this splendid set for less than $7 per CD! There are a total of 18 selections covering most of Wagner's operas including five excerpts from the Ring Cycle. The performances are excellent coming from no less than three British orchestras, and the sound is top-shelf EMI. Sir Adrian's pacing is measured and his vision is broad and sensitive, highlighting the beauty and grandeur --rather than just the fire-- of this glorious music. I heartily recommend this two-CD set, and at this price, I think it's a steal.

Go For Boult.......2003-07-08

Sir Adrian Boult is best known for his recordings of the British repertoire, and his performances, particularly of Holst's "The Planets" and Elgar's Symphonies and Orchestral Works, are legendary. But Boult was also an excellent conductor of Beethoven, Brahms and Wagner, and this 2-CD set collects the Overtures and Preludes of the latter German titan. These stereo recordings from the early to mid-1970s with the New Philharmonia Orchestra, and London Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras are truly first rate. EMI's set compares nicely in terms of price, quality and musical offerings with competing sets by DG (Bohm, Kubelik, et al) and Sony (Ormandy & Szell). You might have reservations about getting German music conducted by a Brit, but you really can't go wrong with Boult.

Memorable and dramatic- A must have for Wagner fans.......2000-03-20

I bought this cd for the following reasons: 1 I'm a Wagner fan, 2 the cover looks exquisite and 3 I wanted to hear a "prelude" since it sounds fancy and never heard one. The result is great cd. The Tannhauser overture, Tristan and Isolde prelude and Lohengrin Prelude to act 3 are all very excellent. Excerpts from the Ring of the Nibelunge aren't as good as I had anticipated but are still enjoyable. The music speaks the tales of Wagner's operas. Just hear it, as slow and irksome as they maybe, these preludes make you feel the tragic love of Tristan and Isolde, the epic odyssey of Lohengrin and the holy, heavenly spirit in Parsifal as he discovers the Holy Grail. Buy this CD and you won't regret it. Except that one bit from Gotterdammerung, Siegfried's Funeral March. It does'nt quite have the feel of grand disaster as it did in John Boorman's film Excalibur. If you're hoping to find that version(which is better) stick with the Classics Go To The Movies Vol 2 cd. But all the other pieces on this CD are excellent. Go and buy this CD- now !

Average customer rating: Highest Recommendation Possible Great Music At Any Price!

Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser Manufacturer: Seraphim ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Wagner: Overtures & Preludes The Best Of Wagner Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Beethoven: Piano Sonatas 8, 9, 10, 13 & 14 ASIN: B000000UW7 Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Tristan Und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod
2. Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
3. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
4. Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act III
5. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act I
6. Tannhauser: Overture

Customer Reviews:

Highest Recommendation Possible.......2007-02-04

I have been ravenously studying classical music for about the last two years non stop. It has been a fantastic voyage. Out of everything by everyone, to me, this is among the very best CDs. The music is beautiful, mighty and majestic. On top of that, the CD is very inexpensive, considering it's quality.

Great Music At Any Price!.......2004-03-14

The original EMI Seraphim budget CD line has to be the greatest value for the money in the history of music. For half the price of other so-called budget lines, including the new version of EMI Seraphim and the Sony Essential Classics series, you get first-rate performances from the golden age of stereo by some of the greatest conductors of the century. On this particular title you get brilliant Wagner performances by Rudolf Kempe and Sir Adrian Boult. This was my first disc of Wagner Orchestral Music, and I liked it so much that I eventually upgraded in order to get more terrific Wagner performances by Kempe and Boult (see my reviews). You see, Boult has a two-disc mid-priced set collecting his Wagner recordings on EMI, while Kempe has two full-priced discs on the Testament label, which licensed his EMI recordings. Granted, most will not want to pay as much as I did for their Wagner, and if you don't, just buy this title with the loose change in your pocket.

Average customer rating:

Story Of Wagner In Words And Music Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Story Of Verdi In Words And Music Stories Of Schumann And Grieg The Story Of Brahms Story Of Dvorák In Words And Music Mendelssohn In Words And Music ASIN: B000001KD3 Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. The Mastersingers: Prelude
2. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act III
3. Faust: Overture
4. The Mastersingers: 'Awake!'
5. The Mastersingers: 'Mad, All The World Is Mad'
6. The Fairies: Overture
7. Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
8. The Mastersingers: Act III Quintet
9. Rienzi: Overture
10. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
11. Tannhaeuser: Pilgrim's Chorus
12. Tannhaeuser: Overture
13. Gotterdammerung (Twilight Of The Gods): Siegfried's Rhine Journey
14. Tannhaeuser: Song Of The Evening Star
15. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
16. Tristan und Isolde: Love-Death
17. Tannhaeuser: Venusberg Music
18. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
19. The Mastersingers: Prelude
20. The Mastersingers: Prize Song
21. The Mastersingers: Beckmesser And Sachs Duet In Act II
22. The Valkyrie: The Ride Of The Valkyries
23. Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Rhine Journey
24. Siegfried: Siegfried Idyll
25. Parsifal: Good Friday Spell
26. Gotterdammerung: Siegfred's Funeral Music
27. Tannhaeuser: Overture
28. Lohengrin: Preludes To Act I And III, And Bridal Chorus

Average customer rating: The best collection of Wagner excerpts from Furtwangler This deserves 5 stars, plus! Sublimity for the Ages Wondrous Wagner

Wagner: Extracts from the operas Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore Wagner: Tristan und Isolde Furtwängler conducts Wagner Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 9 / Furtwangler, Schwarzkopf Wagner: Orchestral Music ASIN: B00064N8RM Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Prelude To Act 1
3. Ride Of The Valkyries (Act 3)
4. Prelude: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
5. Siegfried's Funeral March (Act 3)
6. Brunnhilde's Immolation (Act 3) - Kirsten Flagstad

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Prelude to Act 1 - Berliner Philharmoniker
3. Liebestod (Death Of Isolde) - Berliner Philharmoniker
4. Prelude To Act 1
5. Prelude To Act 3
6. Dance Of The Apprentices (Act 3)
7. Prelude To Act 1 - Berliner Philharmoniker
8. Good Friday Music (Act 3) - Berliner Philharmoniker

Customer Reviews:

The best collection of Wagner excerpts from Furtwangler.......2005-12-16

In the post-war era Furtwangler left us two Ring cycles from Italy (both very scrapy in execution), a classic Tristan from London, and a somewhat disappointing (to me, at least) Die Walkure from Vienna. Those represent the bulk of his Wagner conducting, since he didn't record many excerpts. This classic EMI set gathers together two hours wroth from 1938 to 1954. Other reviewers have extolled the 2004 remastering, which I compared to the original 1993 "References" release. I didn't hear a revelatory transformation, but it's helpful to have any sonic improvement, particularly in the muzzy early recordings from Berlin.

The Gramophone declared that these excerpts validated Furtwangler's position as the greatest of all Wagner conductors. In their musical depth and emotional wisdom it's hard to disagree, although newcomers may find the tempos too braod, and the orchestral execution is never razor sharp--Furtwangler showed little interest in that.

I think the touchstones would be the opening Tannhauser Over. from 1952, which is in the best sound, and the Tristan Prelude from 1938, which is in the worst. Both draw us into Furtwangler's hypnotic way with Wagner, weaving a complete emotional experience that overarches mere details and passing events. I find it easy to listen past the dated sound; these are readings to sink into for a lifetime. (My only reservation is that Flagstad's Immolation scene from Gotterdammerung, recorded in 1952 when she and Furtwangler made their famous Tristan, seems grand without much regard for specific words or emotions.)

By now the Furtwangler canon has been scoured for more Wagner, and there is a live postwar collection in comparable sound from Testament that serves as the natural mate to these priceless studio recordings. Every scattered performance has been catalogued in the late John Ardoin's invaluable book, "The Furtwangler Record."

This deserves 5 stars, plus!.......2005-08-21

Wilhelm Furtwangler's recordings of Wagner Overtures and Preludes, refurbished by EMI and released in January, 2005, is so good it deserves more than five stars! "How?" you may ask, "can recordings made in the late 1930s, late 1940s/early '50s sound this good?" EMI's engineers have worked marvels, both in restoring the sound so that it is nearly modern, and in equalizing volume levels so the listener doesn't have to adjust volume up and down between tracks, sometimes a problem with compilation discs when different recording locales and orchestras were used.

The performances are all first rate: Furtwangler uses subtle liberties of tempo and nuance - his trademark as a conductor - to produce works of freshness and beauty. Three different orchestras are used: the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and Philharmonia:all sound uniformly excellent. Kirsten Flagstad sings Brunnhilde's Immolation scene with great intensity, and in this track, the Philharmonia is in no way inferior to either Berlin or Vienna Philharmonic.

I had to keep reminding myself listening to Disc 1, Track 1,the TANNHAUSER Overture, that this was made in the era before stereo. From the first bars, this strikes me as very fresh and celebratory, and I'm not a huge Wagner fan: I prefer Overtures and Preludes over complete operas. My advice to anyone, even if you don't think you care for Wagner, is to invest in this: grab it before it goes out of circulation - for under $15.00 you can't go wrong.

Sublimity for the Ages.......2005-07-24

In a strange way, one almost needs to have known these recordings in their previous incarnations to appreciate the miraculous transparency that EMI engineers have achieved in this latest transfer. Having long treasured these performances on LP and their first CD transfer (1993), I was stunned by the immediacy, power, and splendor of the sound. What a jaw-dropping revelation! Who ever dreamt of tracing so many more threads in these complex orchestral tapestries via these classic interpretations?

As for the performances themselves, there are none better -- and there never will be. The only equally sublime Wagner excerpts are also in monophonic sound: check out the superb set of Stokowski's Wagner with the 1920s-40s Philadelphia Orchestra on Andante. Both conductors give us a kind of musicmaking that no one before or since has touched in this repertoire. And within the technical limitations of the times, the recordings admirably capture Wagner's sumptuous sound.

No, the decibel level will not knock you out of your seat. If you want that kind of displacement, you must naturally seek a more recent recording. But grandeur is not merely a function of decibels, and on this recording and Stokowski's you will hear a level of rapport with Wagner's deepest impulses, a grandeur of conception, and a quality of orchestral execution that come through loud and clear as they do nowhere else. Remember, many musicians playing in these recordings studied under Wagner's contemporaries (indeed, in the earliest recordings of both conductors, we are probably even hearing a few people who were children or teenagers during Wagner's final years). As a result, these players absorbed the spirit of the age with their every formative breath. Through these recordings, they effortlessly project intangible qualities to which no later generations can ever lay claim.

My own personal favorites here are the *Lohengrin* Prelude (boasting some of the most ethereal high-string sonorities ever recorded, courtesy of the Vienna Philharmonic -- a pure and perfect evocation of spiritual light descending from on high), the *Tristan* selections, Flagstad's grandly voiced Immolation Scene, and the incomparable *Parsifal* Prelude. *Parsifal* has never been my favorite Wagner opera, but its Prelude easily ranks among the chief glories of music. Never has it sounded more ravishing than it does here, with Furtwängler's patient and probing baton guiding Berlin's flawless execution (oh, those shimmering string tremolos!).

These are just a few personal high points. In reality, nothing falls below superb here -- and the new transfers put us closer to the music than ever before (to mix in a bit of Richard Strauss, Salome has dropped another sonic veil; will the engineers find a way to make her drop still another in the next decade?!). If you want a direct route to the heart of Wagner, this EMI anthology and Andante's five-disc Stokowski set are the royal road to Wagner's kingdom of bliss. I urge you to make the journey.

Wondrous Wagner.......2005-06-09

In this era of limited edition, out-of-print and rapidly disappearing classical CDs, sometimes it is better to wait and see instead of immediately buying a given title. Case in point, these famous Furtwangler recordings of Wagner extracts from the Operas, which have been available for years as a costly import in the EMI "References" series. I struggled off and on for some time about whether or not to buy it, knowing that these are among the very best Wagner performances ever committed to disc (despite their mono sound), but not wanting to pay an arm and a leg for them either. Well now with this inexpensively priced reissue in EMI's "Historical" Series, I can get the best of both worlds. Furtwangler's renditions, made with both the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics between 1949 and 1954, are absolutely fantastic. This is the conductor at his very best, and there are few rivals in this material, even in stereo. In particular, the Tannhauser Overture, Lohengrin Prelude, and Tristan and Parsifal selections are magical. For price and performance, this CD is without peer.

Average customer rating: Excellent The Only Truly Memorable Tracks On This 2 Disc Album Are Jochum's Parsifal Pieces A Thing of Beauty It's OK Falls short of being great.

Wagner: Overture & Preludes Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection The Best Of Wagner Wagner without Words Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/ Marche Slave ASIN: B000001GLB Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

1. Rienzi: Overture
2. Overture
3. Overture
4. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act I
5. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
6. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act I
7. Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg: Prelude to Act III
8. Die Walkure: The Ride of the Valkyries

Tracks:

1. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Prelude to Act I
2. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Introduction to Act III (Massig Langsam)
3. TRISTAN & ISOLDE - Liebestodt
4. SIEGFRIED - Siegfried-Idyll
5. GOTTERDAMMERUNG - Orchestral Interlude: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
6. PARSIFAL
7. PARSIFAL - Good Friday Music

Amazon.com

This is a dazzling collection of nonvocal excerpts from Wagner's operas, from the peace and loveliness of Rafael Kubelik's Siegfried Idyll to the passionate, disturbed Prelude to the first act of Tristan, led by Karl Bohm, and the wild Ride of the Valkyries, with Herbert von Karajan in a particularly rambunctious mood. Other highlights in the two and a half hours of music are transcendent readings of two Parsifal excerpts by Eugen Jochum and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra and a Flying Dutchman set. But couldn't DG have tried to include some information about anything in their teeny paper insert? --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-02-13

I grew up listening to all kinds of music. I must say that listiening to this CD is a wonderful change to today's music. It is relaxing and soothing.

The Only Truly Memorable Tracks On This 2 Disc Album Are Jochum's Parsifal Pieces.......2006-11-06

Many reviewers are stating that this is some sort of great introduction to Wagner, when I think they are not aware of many other terrific orchestral Wagner CDs. EMI has recently released an outstanding CD by Karajan of various Wagner preludes and overtures from the non "Ring" operas. That CD is part of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" catalogue and it's also available in the "Karajan Collection". Two different pressings, exact same thing.

To get some juicy "Ring" selections, you should investigate George Szell's oustanding CD on Sony Essential Classics which is uniquely captivating as far as orchestral excerpts from the Ring operas go.

Getting back to this DG Double, here is my rundown of all the tracks. The Rienzi Overture is done well by Karl Bohm but it's nothing remarkable. The Flying Duthchman also conducted by Bohm is played with gusto, pretty good. The Tannhauser Overture is an extremely dull run-through by Otto Gerdes, what a nightmare! Listen to Solti instead to get the full power of this terrific piece! The Lohengrin preludes by Kubelik lack the dreamy mysticism and rich power of Karajan's versions on EMI. The preludes to Die Meistersinger are played by Bohm and Jochum, Bohm is too relaxed and slow in the prelude to Act 1 but Jochum finds more life in the prelude to act 3. The ultra-famous "Ride of the Valkyries" is played by Karajan, an excerpt from his complete set of the Ring and yes the soprano soloists are on display here. It's a good account but hardly matches the excitement of Solti's version from his complete Ring recording.

The second CD opens up with powerful excerpts from Tristan and Isolde played by Bohm, the prelude and Act 3 intro are taken from his famous Bayreuth set with Birgit Nilsson. Nilsson however is not represented in the final Liebestod, instead a later, not very passionate Bohm recording is tacked on. The Siegfried Idyll is conducted by Kubelik and is not very memorable, certainly lacking the romantic abandon of the famous Karajan versions. Siegfried's Rhine Journey from Gotterdammerung is led by Karajan and sounds great.

Finally we get to the best part of this 2CD package, Eugen Jochum's performances of the Prelude and Good Friday Music from Wagner's final masterpiece, Parsifal. Both sound highly involved and deeply spiritual, the sound is great for something that was recorded way back in 1957. The brass get a bit edgy but it's not much of a worry, the readings are exceptional.

If you're a Wagner newbie, this 2CD set might satisfy you but I recommend you go and buy that EMI Karajan CD and the Ring excerpts by Szell, listen to those and you'll be well on your way to tackling a full opera. The most accessible opera to start with is Lohengrin.

A Thing of Beauty.......2006-06-17

I am not overly fond of opera but there are exceptions. This album is such an exception. I suppose that is because there is little to be heard in the way of singing on it. I like it for the instrumental passages and they are wonderful.

As the title suggests, these are primarily overtures and preludes. They are not as bombastic as Wagner is wont to be but they are very strong. They are evocative of beauty and majesty. It is good orchestral music.

The performances included are all from Germanic orchestras. This music is a part of the culture and it is well done. If I have one complaint, it is a minor one. The pianissimo passages are sometimes so soft as to not be present. They are...understated in the extreme.

All in all, this is a quality recording capable of producing hours of enjoyment from its two disks.

It's OK.......2006-03-20

I judge this CD for it's sound quality - very good. The Wagner's music it's not really my type of music, therefore I can't say it's a poor CD. If the music is just OK is not the CD's fault. Simply my taste doesn't match Wagner's music.

Falls short of being great........2006-02-01

I'm surprised that all of the other reviewers neglected to mention the shortcomings of this set. Without Siegfried's Funeral March from Die Gotterdammerung and coupled with the fact that the liner notes stink, this is well deserving of 2 stars, but I was generous. Get the EMI set "Orchestral Music" with Szell conducting which has everything that this collection has plus Siegfried's Funeral March, good liner notes and extra selections.

Average customer rating: Invaluable musical treasures!

Wagner: Parsifal/Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Manufacturer: Koch Schwann (Germ.) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001SUP Release Date: 1994-05-31

Tracks:

1. Vorspiel zum 1. Auzfug - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
2. Nun achte wohl und lass mich seh'n-Zum letzten Liebesmahle - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
3. Vospiel zum 2. Aufzug-Die Zeit ist da - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
4. Wie lachen ihm die Rossen der Wangan-Hier! Hier war das Tosen-Ihr schonen Kinder - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
5. Und willst Du uns nicht schelton-Komm, komm, holder Knabe - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
6. Sie beut dir heut' als Muttersegens letzen Gruss-Amfortas! Die Wunde - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
7. Hilfe! Hilfe! Herbei! - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
8. Vorspiel zum 3. Aufzug - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
9. Du siehst, das ist nicht so - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
10. Ich sah sie welken, die einst mir lachten - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
11. Verwandlungsmusik-Geleiten wir im bergenden Schrein - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
12. Hochsten Heiles Wunder - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
13. Vospiel zum 1. Aufzug-Da zu dir der Heiland kam - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast
14. Halt, Meister! Nicht so geeilt! - Vienna State Opera Orch, Choir, & Cast

Tracks:

1. Was duffet Doch der Flieder - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
2. Gut'n Abend, Meister - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
3. Jerum! Jerum! Hallohallohe! - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
4. Oha! Wollt mich beim Wahne fassen - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
5. So lang als Beckmesser lebt - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
6. dass mit Vergumst-Ist das erlaubt, so spat zur Nacht - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
7. Vorspiel zum 3. Auzfug (fragment) - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
8. Wahn! Wahn! Uberall Wahn!-Gruss Gott, mein junker - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
9. Doch lasst dem Ruh'-Mein Freund, in holder Jugendzeit - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
10. O Sachs, mein Freud-Aha, da streicht die Lene schoon um's Haus-Ein Kind ward geboren - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
11. Selig, wie die Sonne-Verwandlungsmusik - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
12. Ach auf! Es nahet gen den Tag - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
13. sein Tochterlein, sein hochstes Gut-O saschs mein Freund! - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
14. Das Lied, furwahr, ist nicht von mir - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast
15. Verachtet mit die Meister nicht - Vienna State Opera/Nurnberg Operahouse Choir & Cast

Customer Reviews:

Invaluable musical treasures!.......2005-12-20

The presence of these two giants of the conducting world reserve for you a journey through the time.

Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg is dated from September 1938 and Parsifal was recorded on April 1939 at the Wiener Staatsoper. Hans Sachs is Rudolf Bockelman and Veit Pogner is Josef von Manowarda; while in Parsifal Parsifal is Hans Grahl, Gurnemanz is Herbert Alsen, Kundry is Anny Konetzi and Klingsor is Hermann Wiedemann.

Go for this admirable collection whose historical importance will increase exponentially through the years.

Average customer rating: A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Live Recordings 1944-1953 Ludwig van Beethoven , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johannes Brahms , Anton Bruckner , Richard Strauss , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Paul Hindemith , Cesar Franck , Maurice Ravel , Richard Wagner , Wilhelm Furtwangler , Berlin Philharmonic , and Vienna Philharmonic Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hindemith | Hindemith, Paul | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Variations | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 2 Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 1 Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO An Anniversary Tribute Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore ASIN: B00007BGXS Release Date: 2003-02-11

Album Details

Original Masters serie.

Customer Reviews:

A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art.......2003-02-15

We are not exactly short on recordings by Wilhelm Furtwängler, and for collectors and aficionados of the great German conductor this box of 6 CDs with live recordings from 1944-1953 will undoubtedly be a severe disappointment. The only rarity is the (otherwise unnecessary) Tchaikovsky "Pathétique" from Cairo, 1951. All the rest are reissues and have been released by various labels in different couplings.

This set is therefore mainly destined for anybody wanting a well-programmed and representative introduction to the art of Furtwängler. Except for the already mentioned Tchaikovsky, the "Rapsodie espagnole" by Ravel, and the "Symphonic Metamorphosis" by Hindemith, interesting but not really indispensable, the rest of the box is required listening. There are stunningly revelatory cuts of Brahms 2nd (Vienna, 1945), Beethoven's 7th (Berlin, 1953), Schubert's 8th (Berlin, 1952), Bruckner's 8th (Vienna 1944), and a formidable disc of orchestral excerpts from Wagner's operas. On top of that the Vienna 1944 recording of Beethoven's Leonore III is a real killer. The "Haydn Variations" by Brahms, "Manfred" by Schumann, "Don Juan" by Strauss, and the "Symphony" by Franck are equally rewarding.

It goes without saying that the sound quality of these live recordings from the 1940s and 1950s is variable, although within context everything is acceptable and well remastered (There is some serious distortion though in the final movement of the Franck "Symphony").

This set comes in yet a new limited-edition historical series "Original Masters" from Deutsche Grammophon. The liner notes emphasizing the rarity of the recordings (so-called "buried musical treasures") are however to be taken with more than a grain of salt. The presentation of the CDs in paper bags with a transparent cover isn't exactly a great idea either.

Indispensable for those music lovers willing to find out what Wilhelm Furtwängler is all about.

Average customer rating:

WAGNER: The Complete Overtures and Orchestral Music from the Operas Yuri Simonov , Francesco D'Avalos , and London Philharmonia Orchestra Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005MLXT Release Date: 2001-06-12

Average customer rating: Not a Wagnerian New hot tenor A TASTER OF THINGS TO COME Wagner's Music Beautifully Sung Yawn...on to the band wagon too Mr Terfel?

Wagner ·Terfel: Berliner Philharmoniker / Abbado Manufacturer: © 2002 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Hamburg ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Terfel, Bryn | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Bryn Terfel - Opera Arias / MET, Levine Bryn Terfel - Simple Gifts Leading Man Messiah: The Dream Cast Bryn Terfel - Handel Arias / Scottish CO, Mackerras ASIN: B00005UWKZ Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

1. Der Fliegende Holldnder Overture
2. "Die Frist ist um" (Der Fliegende Holldnder)
3. "Wahn! Wahn! Uberall Wahn! (Die Meistersinger)
4. "Was duftet doch der Flieder" (Die Meistersinger)
5. "Wie Todesahnung Ddmmrung deckt die Lande--O du mein holder Abendstern" (Tannhduser)
6. Nein! Lasst ihn unenth|llt! (Parsifal)
7. Ja, Wehe! Wehe! Weh' |ber mich! (Parsifal)
8. "Leb wohl, du k|hnes, herrliches Kind!" (Wotan's Farewell from Die Walk|re)

Amazon.com

Bryn Terfel brings a resonant voice and wide emotional range to Wagner's bass-baritone roles. He's a touching Flying Dutchman, a grief-laden Amfortas in two scenes from Parsifal, a wise, sympathetic Hans Sachs in the two monologues from Die Meistersinger, and at his best in a smoothly sung rendition of Wolfram's Evening Star aria from Tannhäuser. The only quibble is a degree of overemoting that can sectionalize scenes through an excess of passion where understatement often works better. The first part of "Leb' wohl," for example, is delivered with a surplus of anger where sad resignation would be more appropriate, since Wotan's fury has been spent by the time we reach this point. Such vocal heavy lifting sometimes reminds one of the old "Bayreuth bark" school of Wagnerian singing, but those moments pass quickly. It's doubtful you'll find anything amiss if you're not familiar with past masters like Hans Hotter and Friederich Schorr. Wagnerians and Terfel fans will snap this up. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Not a Wagnerian.......2007-01-23

Well, what can one say after waiting so long? I expected to be awash in this gorgeous voice, with wave after wave of beauty. The impression that I actually had, after all was sung and done, was that Mr. Terfel is not a Wagnerian. The voice is certainly beautiful, but it simply lacks the heroic thrill I was looking for (and waiting for all these years). He sounds pressed at times, like the voice has no more to give. This also has to be the most overinterpreted Wagner I have heard. It has a certain lieder quality to it, but her it is excessive finesse, subtle delicacy and shading for no purpose, when the grander line is indicated. It is worth having, but not listening to over and over for the sheer joy of beauty.

New hot tenor.......2006-02-25

While I was looking for him to sing an entire opera, this was next best. He is smooth!

A TASTER OF THINGS TO COME.......2005-09-16

Here's a disc to get Wagnerians salivating at the prospect of great things to come. Despite numerous and, no doubt, lucrative offers, Bryn Terfel wisely resisted the lure of the big Wagnerian roles until he felt he and his voice were ready for them. Apparently we have, in part, to thank Solti's wise words of warning for that. There is no doubt that here is potentially one of the great Wagnerian bass-baritones in the making, worthy to be compared with van Rooy, Schorr and Hotter. Terfel has the ability and the taste to sing with the kind of bel canto line that Wagner always said he wanted but, alas, has so seldom received.

But! It is still early days and there are times in this collection when a lack of stage experience in these parts shows. Yes, the singing is consistenly beautiful with the characteristic Terfel traits of wonderfully floated mezza voces and ringing top notes (listen to the end of the Dutchman's aria).

However, the depth of characterisation is sometimes lacking. Amfortas' anguish is too generalised. Sachs' understanding of mankind's foibles in the Wahnmonolog derives from the specific text rather than the character as a whole. Wotan, who undergoes the great sea-change in his character that turns him into the resigned Wanderer of Siegfried at precisely this point in Walkure (the Farewell), is still too much the angry, bitter Wotan of Act II and the beginning of Act III. (Remember, this disc was made before he embarked on his first stage performances.) Compare Terfel at "der freie als ich, der Gott: one freer than I, the God" - a forte outburst of resentment from Bryn's god: with Hotter, an infinitely moving patina of resignation colours the voice. Nevertheless, Terfel's ban on fearful fire-invaders at the end is hugely stirring.

It is, perhaps, the earlier Wagner that fares best. The Dutchman's Monologue, which he has recorded before with Levine, is hair-raising in the best sense. Wolfram's Song to the Evening Star is sublime. Even Sachs' Fliedermonolog, part of Terfel's repertoire since the famous head-to-head with Hvorostovsky in Cardiff, is sung with sensitivity and a wonderful sense of line. Amfortas perhaps lies a little high for his voice. Gurnemanz will, I think, prove to be the Parsifal part for him - a pity maybe that he didn't give us the Good Friday Scene instead of the Amfortas monologues. The orchestral accompaniments from Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic are, like the voice, stronger on beauty of tone than characterisation, but they get the recital off to a rousing start with a fine live performance of the Hollander Overture.

All in all, then, an appetising taster of (hopefully) things to come, a must for Wagnerians and Terfelians alike, but I feel sure there are greater performances to come from Terfel in this repertoire (witness his recent Wotan at Covent Garden and the Proms) - especially when he tackles complete roles rather than 'bleeding chunks'.

Wagner's Music Beautifully Sung.......2003-06-28

I am a relative newcomer to Wagner, but I'm already tired of singers (basses especially) who wobble and bark their way through the composer's glorious music. Bryn Terfel in his new Wagner CD offers a corrective to that style of "singing." Terfel's voice has grown in size and weight over the past several years, which means that it is now a more apt instrument for Wagner's music. His voice remains firm, round, warm, sweet, and above all, STEADY. I do notice some brief moments of strain on loud notes in what sounds like his upper-middle register -- but this is nothing compared to the harsh tones produced by some Wagnerian basses I've heard, past and present. On the whole, it is extremely gratifying to hear this music so beautifully sung.
I must disagree with those who find the selections dramatically bland. In the Dutchman's monologue, Terfel sounds more "inside" the role than he did when he performed the excerpt on his 1995 "Opera Arias" CD (but that was an amazing piece of singing, too!). "O du, mein holder Abenstern", which he also sang (superbly) on "Opera Arias," is here spun out with the utmost beauty of tone, suggesting Wolfram's love for Elizabeth. I also agree with the previous reviewer who thought Terfel's rendition of Wotan's Farewell emotionally "wrenching without distracting from the music." For me this track was the biggest surprise of all: Terfel's delivery has a tenderness such as I have never quite heard from him before. But I do believe that Terfel's SINGING is the main reason to buy this CD; as for the characterizations, they can only deepen as Terfel performs these roles onstage. I think he is wise, though, not to rush into them, as he is still quite young.

Yawn...on to the band wagon too Mr Terfel?.......2002-12-18

Mr Terfel is not a singer for Wagner and this CD shows this all too painfully...what more can I say? Spend your money buying any of the other CD's of Wagner that reflect the greatness of the music, not just as a "show case" for a singer. What next Mr Terfel? A touch of Harrison Birtwistle, a soupcon of Ligeti, they are all getting popular now, you know; best get on the band wagon.

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