Search - Richard Wagner, Christian Thielemann, The Philadelphia Orchestra :: Thielemann - Wagner ~ Meistersinger, Lohengrin, Parsifal, Tristan und Isolde

Superb. A Fine Introduction to Wagner

kewlboy | Calgary, AB Canada | 04/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"That's how I would sum up this disc by the Philadelphia Philharmonic and young Christian Thielemann. Although there are many CD's on Amazon that are hyped as excellent intro's to Wagner's music, I'd have to say that this is by far the finest recording I've come across not just for quality of presentation but also for exposure. From "Die Meistersinger" to "Tristan und Isolde" to "Parsifal" and "Lohengrin" this disc contains all the essentials one needs to gain a foothold of this man's magnificent works. I find the Prelude to Lohengrin Vorspiel 1 to be particularly moving, almost heart wrenching and comparable to Solti's presentation of the same piece. I suppose if I could find a similiar CD by the same orchestra under Eugene Ormandy's direction I'd recommend it highly as well, however for the beginniner or serious Wagner enthusiast like myself this is a must have for your collection."

A great performance

rajt | Meadowbank, New South Wales Australia | 05/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have a few collections of Wagner's overures and preludes, but I would have to say that this is one of the freshest performances that I have heard for a long while. Thielemann and Philadelphia make an excellent combination. Thielemann writes in the sleeve notes that very few takes were done on each piece and the flow and energy comes right through. My highlight of the album is the Parisfal Perlude - there is a great mystical quality to this piece. Overall, vey well played and recorded. Buy it, it's worth it."