Wagner: Tannhäuser

Richard [Classical] Wagner (Composer), Otto Gerdes (Conductor), Deutschen Opernorchester (Orchestra), Deutschen Opernhauses Orchester (Orchestra), Berlin Deutschen Opernhauses Orchester (Orchestra), Theo Adam (Performer), Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Performer), Klaus Hirte (Performer), Horst R. Laubenthal (Performer), Birgit Nilsson (Performer), Helga Profe (Performer), Hans Sotin (Performer), Wolfgang Windgassen (Performer), Friedrich Lenz (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Theo Adam, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Klaus Hirte, Horst R. Laubenthal, Birgit Nilsson, et al.
• Orchestra: Deutschen Opernorchester, Deutschen Opernhauses Orchester, Berlin Deutschen Opernhauses Orchester
• Conductor: Otto Gerdes
• Composer: Richard [Classical] Wagner
• Audio CD (September 10, 2002)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B00006IQGB
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,993 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A dark horse in a bright field, May 23, 2004

By 

Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wagner: Tannhäuser (Audio CD)

With Sinopoli's, Solti's and so many other fine performances of this opera out there in both Dresden and the Paris verions, it might seem odd for a listener to rave about the present release, but it is one of the very best Tannhauser recordings I've heard. The conducting is dead-on with the score and the composer's markings. Unlike Solti's jarringly staged recording under Culshaw, the balance between orchestra and voices sounds natural here. But it's the voices that make all the difference by far . Birgit Nilsson will break your heart as Elizabeth, and she revels as Venus. Adam is a convincing Hermann and Windgassen a virile and tormented Tannhauser. At $23.99 or less for three disks, it is a steal. I would have appreciated a libretto, but the enclosed booklet provides enough information for the interested listener and libretti for this opera are available everywhere. UMG's Trio series has consistently surprised me with its value and quality, and by the number of recordings produced under its label that merit special attention. If you like your Wagner long and protracted and strident, you will hate this release. On the other hand, if you really enjoy the quieter, more lyrical side of this composer, and appreciate the way great singers can bring nuance to legendary roles, you'll love it. There are no revelations in the orchestra pit, but such a score requires very few. This release is not for purists or academicians. But those who simply love beautiful music, wonderfully executed, will love it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Version, February 9, 2008

By 

L. E. Roberts "Larry" (Escondido, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Wagner: Tannhäuser (Audio CD)

I first heard this when I was at college in the mid 1970s. It was what we would then describe as "mind-blowing." I immediately bought the LP set, and a few years ago (upon moving into an apartment where I couldn't set up my complete stereo) bought the CD. At college (Berkeley), it was my first meeting with this opera (aside from Bugs Bunny meeting Hermann Goering in the Black Forest) and it made an incredible impression on me. Since that time, I have listened to several recordings, especially the one with the incomparable Grace Bumbry as Elizabeth, but my heart always returns to this one. With respect to what other reviewers hear, if Herr Windgassen is tired when he sings in this recording, I only wish to be so tired thirty years from now. Birgit Nilsson is, well, Birgit Nilsson, just like she was in her magnificent Aida. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau sounds as good as he always does (has anyone EVER heard a bad performance?), and Theo Adam is the same Helden-baritone he was in Otto Klemperer's "Fliegende Hollander."

The crux of the matter seems to be Otto Gerdes conducting. He may be an "engineer" according to one review, and wikipedia.com names him as the producer of a Grammy winning production of 1970, but his conducting of this recording is inspiring. I have owned a recording of the 'Paris' version, and I find this one much more inspiring. The orchestral parts (overture and end) positively heart-stopping. I may not be a trained musician or (God forbid) a critic, but may of us who have been raised on classical music and grand opera have often felt that we could do certain passages better than those conducting them. Otto Gerdes, whether engineer or producer, seem to understand how many of us uninstructed non-cognocenti would like to hear this played. I rate this recording as, forgive my vulgarity, Balls to the Wall!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great recording, September 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Wagner: Tannhäuser (Audio CD)

This is in short a really good recording. Gerdes' handling of the opera is very good (though his tempo in the Pilgrims' Chorus theme of the Overture is almost disturbingly fast), the orchestra is well controlled and very expressive. Birgit Nilsson, one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of the 20th Century, sings the two principle female roles - Venus and Elisabeth; Wolfgang Windgassen, who sings the role of Tannhauser, is one of the greatest Wagnerian tenors of the century. And Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, who sings Wolfram, is virtually undisputed as THE baritone of the century.

Highly recommend this recording.