One of Flagstad's greatest recordings
Robert J. Cruce | Muskogee, OK United States | 09/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The entire contents of this praiseworthy release deserve separate comment, but it would be worth purchasing for the Immolation Scene from Gotterdammerung alone. I have the Victrola LP (VIC-1517) in front of me and I can do no better than to quote some of the liner notes: "An unending wave of vocal splendor..." "...Flagstad at her peak was like a glorious accident of nature- an elemental force she herself didn't altogether comprehend." "When she died in Oslo on December 7, 1962, she passed into the glory of the operatic Valhalla that was awaiting her. She became a legend for generations to come". (credit for the above quotes goes to Max de Schauensee, Music Editor, Philadelphia Evening and Sunday Bulletin). Yes, there were giants in those days, and the meek have inherited the earth. If you love great Wagner performances you have to have this. And you get so much more in this generous reissue in excellent sonic restoration."