Search - Bela Bartok, Janos Ferencsik, Klara Palankay :: Bartók: Bluebeard's Castle

The Passing of the Penultimate Judith

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 01/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those of us who hang on to the now antiquated LPs, be advised that one of the oldies is now variably available on CD format. Thanks to Amazon for uncovering this treasure.



This week the superb Hungarian mezzo-soprano Klara Palankay died at the age of 85. Though never a big name in the US opera houses, Palankay virtually owned the role of Judith in Béla Bartók's wondrous two character one act opera DUKE BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE (A kékszakkallú Herceg Vára). In 1956 she recorded the role in this spine-tingling performance with Mihaly Szekely as Bluebeard and with Janos Ferencsik conducting the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra. The recording has been transferred successfully to CD now and it constitutes the single most effective recording of Bartók's masterpiece committed to disc. Those are hefty words for listeners who have strong feelings about the famous Walter Berry/Christa/Kertész or the Samuel Ramey/Eva Marton/Adam Fischer or the John Tomlinson/Anne Sofie von Otter/Haitink or the Laszlo Polgar/Jessye Norman/Boulez, each of which is a superb achievement.



But just listen to the intensity of drama (no, not melodrama!) as Judith seeks the mysteries behind each of the doors as Bartók opens them with luminous orchestral atmosphere. Her acting prowess is evident and her powerful, well-focused and burnished voice is never less than gorgeous. She is well partnered by true basso Mihaly Szekely as well they should be, having performed the opera together countless times. And it should be quickly added that Ferencsik draws richly dramatic sound from the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a recording to treasure and a fine homage to a great singing actress - Klara Palankay. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 07

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