Customer Reviews

Tristan Und Isolde

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a recording of an excellent performance. The sound is adequate if listened to with a bit of good will, and the balance (slightly) favors the orchestra over the singers.

Catarina Ligendza as Isolde is terrific, her final "Verklaerung" seemingly delivered in a single breath; she never sounds tired. Spas Wenkoff is an above-average Tristan, great in act one, good in the second act, and electrifying in the third, where Kleiber whips the orchestra into a frenzy of madness and longing. Indeed, the main reason to get this recording is because of Kleiber's fantastic conducting. It is warmer, more soothing, and at the same time faster than his Bayreuth '74 (the live version which is more widely available than this). The supporting roles are all well done, too.

For Kleiber fans, this recording is a must. For those looking for a first "Tristan" recording, this probably isn't it--Furtwangler's EMI or even the aforementioned live '74 Kleiber "Tristan" are better options. For a second or third recording, however, it's lovely, with dollops of dramatic charge. Highly recommended.

This is a very intense performance with all artists giving their very best. Being a live performance, the sound is acceptable! Don't hesitate to buy this recording if you want a very good Tristan with Kleiber.

The quality of recording is pretty bad. The play might have been great