A good recording of a very underappreciated work
Adam Kubik | Buffalo, NY USA | 10/15/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Wagner's third opera "Rienzi" has been trashed and spat upon by most 20th century Wagner commentators as bombastic, undramatic, and musically uninteresting. They obviously didn't hear this recording! Although the opera is not in Wagner's mature style, when one appreciates it for what it is, grand opera, it is a very enjoyable work; with its sparkling choral scenes, rousing marches, and the tense drama of the last act, it has a little something for everyone. Although the vocal work in this recording is of very high quality, (particularly the Irene of Wennberg, which I find spectacular, in the few moments she has to show her stuff, particularly the last act) I was a little disappointed by some of the orchestral passages, especially the overture, where I think Hollreiser fails to get enough bite out of the brass. On the whole though, a very enjoyable work at a good price!"
Outstanding Performance of Dramatic Opera (Revised Review)
Adam Kubik | 04/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Revision of previously submitted review. I did not give proper credit to the key solo performers, wish to clarify my comments on this.A music fan from Northern Virginia , April 9, 1999 (Review revised from March 24 submission).Outstanding performance of great dramatic opera Rienzi has great orchestral music, but the best parts are the wonderful choral passages which leave the listener humming for hours. The key soloists (Rene Kollo, Siv Wennberg) take a highly dramatic approach using their rather unique vocal styles, for an overall highly effective impact. The acoustics are modern throughout, and the "presence" of the recording is excellent. I didn't expect to like this recording much, but I have listened to it about once per month since buying it; and I have given it as a gift to seven other opera lovers. As the only full performance available, it is a MUST HAVE for every lover of Wagnerian opera, especially at the budget price (for 3 CDs). Wish it were available as a video, but sadly, no video of Rienzi is currently available (HINT, HINT to opera recording companies). If you like this Rienzi, you will also like Kollo's performance of Wagner's Tannhauser, conducted by Georg Solti. Recorded 5 years before Rienzi, Kollo's singing in Tannhauser reflects noticeably greater vocal quality. The Amazon.com professional review of this Tannhauser gave it raves, but after listening back-to-back to Rienzi and Tannhauser with Kollo singing, it was difficult to chose between the "sleeper" gem Rienzi and the better-known Tannhauser. In the end, I gave the nod to Tannhauser because of the incredible performance of Christa Ludwig in her absolute vocal prime singing the role of Venus. Even so, both recordings are "must haves" for Wagner lovers. Thank, you, amazon.com, for allowing opera lovers to keep each other informed about these great recordings.One last thought, the thrill of hearing the opening four chords of the Tannhauser overture following an extended absence away from the opera is a very special treat, the same type of unique musical signature as the opening of Beethoven's fifth symphony."
Outstanding performance of great dramatic opera
Adam Kubik | 03/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rienzi has great orchestral music, but the best parts are the wonderful choral passages which leave the listener humming for hours. The soloists take a highly dramatic approach if not possessing the highest possible vocal quality, for an overall highly effective impact. The acoustics are modern throughout, and the "presence" of the recording is excellent. I didn't expect to like this recording much, but I have listened to it about once per month since buying it; and I have given it as a gift to seven other opera lovers. As the only full performance available, it is a MUST HAVE for every lover of Wagnerian opera, especially at the budget price (for 3 CDs). Wish it were available as a video, but sadly, no video of Rienzi is currently available (HINT, HINT to opera recording companies)."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1