Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Robert F. Denzler, L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande :: Wagner: Die Walkürie

A superb Walkure....

B. Cathey | Wendell, NC United States | 05/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1952 performance of Wagner's DIE WALKURE comes from Geneva, Switzerland. Originally scheduled for the Theatre d'Opera, performances were transferred to the Victoria Hall after the Theatre caught fire and burned.The cast is remarkable: first, and perhaps foremost, Gertrude Grob-Prandl, who is so sadly underrecorded, assumes the role of Brunnhilde [her SIEGFRIED and GOTTERDAMMERUNG Brunnhildes from 1949, Vienna, are already available on both the Gebhardt and the Myto CD labels), and she is truly magnificent. From her entry early in Act II with her Battle Cry she is in stunning voice, every note well-placed and beautifully shaped. The Todesverkundigung scene is equally wonderful. Here indeed is a Wagnerian dramatic soprano who can stand with Nilsson or Varnay.The Siegmund is Torsten Ralf, sounding just about as good as he did in the 1930s or '40s, ringing in tone and in full command of his plangent voice. His Sieglinde is Helene Werth, who is equally fine and well-suited for her role. Again, we need to hear more of her. Wotan is sung by Ludwig Hoffmann; I am more used to a bass-baritone as Wotan---perhaps a George London, a Hans Hotter, or a Ferdinand Frantz. Some of Wotan's music lies a bit high for Hoffmann, but as the true artist that he is he manages well. His Act II "narration" is truly dark and foreboding. The Hunding is Herbert Ahlsen, who is also in good voice.The sound is a tiny bit cavernous [it was recorded in a large concert hall]in the first act, but improves in the second act. Still, the voices are very clear and the mono sound is comparable to any commercial release of the period. Denzler's direction of what was the Orchetre de la Suisse Romande is fine, and does not drag or dawdle. Gebhardt Records provides very good notes on the performance, an added plus.So, this is a mighty fine DIE WALKURE, one that opera lovers, especially lovers of Wagner, should have, at the very least to hear the finely shaped interpretation of Gertrude Grob-Prandl."