Search - Wagner, Meier, Maazel :: Arias

Dramatic Intensity!

02/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Waltraud Meier is one my favorite singers in the world and this CD shows why. Singing the great arias of Wagner heroines, she combines voice, emotion, and intellect in a series of breathtaking performances. Her rendition of Senta's aria from "The Flying Dutchman" is incredible - and makes me yearn to hear her sing this on stage. Of course, also included is her signature role of Kundry. She brings so much more to this role than is on the page. Her identification with this character is apparent. This CD also includes a great Narrative & Curse from "Tristan und Isolde", filled with great emotion, and even some lovely legato. To hear her sing this, she simply becomes one with the character. This is a GREAT recording by one of the great Wagnerian singers of our generation."

Pure beauty

edeat | Australia | 05/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For the Wagner beginners, before starting with the big mean operas, and for the old time lovers - a real gem.Waltraud Meier is in my opinion the best Wagnerian singer of our time. She is acurate, yet very warm and rich. and every song in this CD is a treat.
another reason to enjoy this CD is that unfortunately Ms. Meier tends to work with Daniel Barenboim(sp), which compromise her beautiful voice with his conducting. Well, in this CD she works with Lorin Maazel, who keeps the orchestra very tight and clean, and the combination is just excelent!
one of my most favorite CDs."

One of the most exciting Wagner recitals in years....

edeat | 09/25/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this collection, Waltraud Meier sings selections from Wagner's operas--a difficult task considering there are really no set arias. Maazel's intelligent conducting is a great asset to this disc.Ms. Meier has a warm, lush voice. The timbre is dark and the tone color extremely rich. The dramatic mezzo-soprano sings Kundry with distinction. Her Kundry is more a three dimensional figure than a symbol and she brings the character to life on this recording. Meier copes well with the soprano tessitura needed for Isolde and delivers a riveting narrative and curse. Her Elsa is dreamy and full of breathless hope. Elisabeth's "Dich teurre halle" is filled with rapturous excitment. Meier manages, in each selection, to convey the most vivid portrayals of her characters. She is one of the finest singer/actresses of our time and this CD showcases both her beautiful voice and her dramatic flair."