Search - Wagner, Stewart, Ridderbusch :: Parsifal (Bayreuth 1971)

JOCHUM'S PARSIFAL!

Ryan Kouroukis | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 06/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set because I wanted to get as close as possible spiritually to Wagner's Parsifal, the most spiritual of operas. Eugen Jochum, being a renouned Bruckner interpreter was the ideal authority for me when making my decision in purchasing this expensive rare set.(Sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself for the sake of Art.) It is a live recording from the Bayreuth Festispiele-haus July 26, 1971 and although it's is mono, it is in excellent mono. The great chorus master of Bayreuth, Wilhelm Pitz was also involved in this performance.I have never sensed the profound drama and intense spirituality of Parsifal than in this Jochum set. The Prelude is indescribable and the final chorus is overwhelming.I'm so thankful that I'm now thinking of investing in Jochum's Lohengrin!"

What the other guy said, except the sound quality is problem

P. Greenstein | Oakland, CA | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, a great performance. Sandor Konya is wonderful. Franz Crass has the great voice and Jochum captures the long view and spirtuality of the music.



However, I was disappointed in the sound. There are some parts that are better than others, but occaisionally there is distortion. This is irritating but really frustrating is that throughout there is wow and flutter. This was 1971 and it could have been better soud. It sounds like somebody recorded this on their home reel-to-reel machine at 3 3/4 speed and their equipment was in need of repair."