Customer Reviews

Humperdinck: Konigskinder

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This is a fine performance of an opera not readily available in the US.Most of the singers were unknown to me but they performed well.Peter Anders and D. F-D.are the singers most well known in the US.They sang well,as expected.The rest of the cast also did a fine job,their voices blending into a nice,musical, ensemble.The sound is clear and fine,considering it's mono vintage from the early 50's.The conducting is well paced and quite compelling.
Most people will know Humperdinck from orchestral excerpts or from his opera "Hansel and Gretel".If you know that work,you know it is filled with beautiful music.This opera is not quite to that level,but it is enjoyable.There are not many conventional arias,as the singing is more conversational in style.However,there is much fine music.The story is convoluted and I won't try to explain it.You can read about that elsewhere.What I think is important is that this 2 disc set will give you enjoyment if you like opera and are looking for something different from the usual classics.It may not be an opera of the first level,but it is surely at the second level.Take your time and savor it.I did.

Humperdinck is justly remembered for Hansel and Gretel whose beauty is a joy to both adults and children. But he did write other operas and Konigskinder is the best known of these. Regrettably, Konigskinder is not the masterpiece that Hansel and Gretel is -- but then few operas are. It is, however, a beautiful opera in its own way and deserves to be heard more often than it is. If you love Hansel and Gretel, as I do, I think you will enjoy Konigskinder, if you will listen to it on its own terms.