Wagner: Lohengrin

Richard Wagner (Composer), Eugen Jochum (Conductor), Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (Orchestra), Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele (Orchestra), Astrid Varnay (Performer), Birgit Nilsson (Performer), Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (Performer), Gene Tobin (Performer), Gerhard Stolze (Performer), Hermann Uhde (Performer), Theo Adam (Performer), Toni Blankenheim (Performer), Wolfgang Windgassen (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Astrid Varnay, Birgit Nilsson, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Gene Tobin, Gerhard Stolze, et al.
• Orchestra: Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele
• Conductor: Eugen Jochum
• Composer: Richard Wagner
• Audio CD (February 17, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Label: Opera D'oro
• ASIN: B000005ZZW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,341 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This 1954 recording, live from Bayreuth, finds the very young Birgit Nilsson in the role of Elsa. It is an attractive portrayal; she plays Elsa, in a very believable fashion, for the frail, needy creature she is. The gleaming top notes are in evidence as well. Wolfgang Windgassen's not-quite heldentenor is precisely right for Lohengrin, and he sings with sensitivity and authority, in both introspective and public moments. Hermann Uhde's Telramund is a nice, evil conception, and Astrid Varnay's ferocious Ortrud is breathtaking--the slight ugliness that began creeping into her voice around this period is just right for the manipulative, odious Ortrud. Theo Adam's King is distinguished. The Bayreuth Festival Orchestra and Chorus perform as if the music were in their blood, which, of course, it is. Jochum's leadership can't be faulted. He keeps the action flowing with never eccentric tempi, and the ensembles hold together nicely. This inexpensive set is a welcome addition to anyone's Wagner collection. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best-sung and well-acted versions available, September 5, 1999

By A Customer

The cast of this Lohengrin is superb. Windgassen presents a genuinely moving portrayal of Lohengrin, especially in the monologue. In her debut season at Bayreuth, Nilsson offers a beautifully sung and well-characterized Elsa. Her silvery tone is perfect for the naive and inexperienced young woman. Varnay is an unparalleled Ortrud. Her frightening intensity makes other interpreters of this role pale by comparison. The climax of this recording is Act II, with Varnay's harrowing duets with her well-matched Telramund (Uhde) and Nilsson. Just listen to the way Varnay spits out the word "Gott." It will send shivers up your spine. She was a magnificent singing actress, and her performance is one factor that makes this recording such a gem.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting and committed Lohengrin, August 8, 1999

By A Customer

Eugen Jochum leads an incredibly dynamic and powerful Lohengrin recorded live at Bayreuth in 1954. The entire cast is strong: Windgassen is good in the title role, and Birgit Nilsson is great as Elsa. However, I actually find the other "couple" in this opera, Friedrich and Ortrud (portrayed by Hermann Uhde and Astrid Varnay), to be even better. Their machinations are gripping and Varnay really sings the pants off her role. They make Act II one of the most enjoyable opera experiences I've heard on disc. In a limited role, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is perfectly cast as The Herald. The orchestral playing is classic Jochum, rugged and never dragging. Considering its age, the recording quality is really quite good. Highly recommended.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-have!, July 19, 2002

By A Customer

I cannot say enough about this recording, so in order to not write on and on I will be as breif as possible. The cast is excellent!!! Just amazing! It is great to see the torch being passed from Varnay to Nillson! Act Two is a non-stop tour-de-force. Anyone who refers to Lohengrin as "Slow-and-grim," will be eating crow after listening to this performance. Varnay is THE Ortrud in my opinion, only challanged by Leonie Rysanek in the latter half of her career. Varnay's gargantuan voice personifies the blood-thirsty presence of Orturd, and the curse is simply amazing.