Search - Flottow, Popp, Sofel :: Flotow: Martha (Complete) [Germany]

Very Good, but not the best

An Opera Goer | Southern Califorina, USA | 08/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am finding out, gradually, that more and more people express their appreciation in Lucia Popp's singing. That is very exciting. I, for one, am her loyal fan. After many years of her death she still is the #1 diva on my list, not Callas, not Tebaldi, not Schwarzkopf, not Fleming. So needless to say no one needs to guess how many stars I would have given to this album. It is not an all-German cast, as it appears to be. Though, I would only go so far saying that it compiles an all German-speaking cast. I cannot imagine how Lucia Popp would feel if she finds out that she is being called a German. But don't worry she is already dead. She is a Czech. There are several versions regarding the place of her birth, as cited in the bio of her recordings. The Opera News lists Uhorska Ves (a place in today's Slovakia) as her birthplace. It was occupied by the German during World War II.

Actually, there is another album of this opera that is as good as this one. It has a stronger and balanced cast, with Anneliese Rothenberger, Nicola Gedda, Hermann Prey and Brigitte Fassbaender as the four principals. The music (playing and singing) is more upbeat. I would recommend that album instead.

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A Delightful Opera

Bruce Bogin | rural France | 08/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It seems that everyone has heard about Flotow`s opera Martha and it used to be part of the repertoire, but it seems to have fallen out of favor. Simply put this is an absolutely delightful opera. The music is a joy to listen to and everyone will recognize the beautiful English airs. This recording was made in 1977 with an all German cast, orchestra and choir. It is always wonderful to listen to Lucia Popp. Her voice is as clear as a crystal bell. Is this great 19th century opera like those of Flotow`s contemporaries, like Verdi? Clearly not. What it is is a thoroughly enjoyable opera which will make every listener happy. You will want to play it over and over. And at this price it is a real bargain."

A lovely reissue of this Opera

S. J. Mclaren | 07/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remembered this lovely Decca LP recording and delighted to see it reissued. I rate it as the best among the all the other versions. Not a heavy weight performance but proceeds at a lively pace and of course the singing of Lucia Popp is unmatched by other recordings. The only disappointing aspect were the programme notes which are minimal and no English translation of the libretto."