"This is a very youthful sounding Meistersinger with several singers caught early in their career, Bohm keeps things moving but also allows for plenty of orchestral detail. Sound is very good, if you're worried about the sound then don't be. It's in very good stereo.
There are no weaknesses in the singers, and many strengths. Theo Adam is terrific as Sachs, and the Walter of Waldemar Kmentt is very, very good. The Orchestra responds beautifully to Bohm's direction.
The combination of great singing, wonderful conducting and good sound make this an absolute winner.
The only thing to stop this being a first Meistersinger for someone new to the work is the omission of the libretto. There is a booklet with a plot synopsis, pictures of the cast and an article about critical reception of this production. As usual with recordings from Bayreuth there's some stage noise at times, but nothing excessive.
If you love this opera, you will not regret buying this.
"
A great performance in great sound.
Stephan L. Burton | 09/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"So why did it take 40 years for this set to get its "official" release? Both the performance and the recording are every bit the equal of Bohm's contemporaneous recordings of the Ring, which were issued by Philips many years ago.
Oh, well. Better late than never.
I almost wrote this one off after hearing Melodram's pirate issue, with its painfully dull sound. But now I'm glad I didn't. The sound here is superb."