Search - Hans Hotter, Richard [Classical] Wagner, Leopold Ludwig :: Wagner: Opera Arias & Duets

Exceptionally Breathtaking

Bruce A. McMenomy | 11/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always loved Nilsson, and when I saw her in performance, I have to say, I was more than stunned! Her voice literally has your own head vibrating with the power of the flood of sound. It is a super loud voice, but not only loud, it is one of those voices that literally fill the space no matter how quietly she sings. Would that we had more voices like this today, voices that thrilled the soul because they filled the theatre. For me, and this is just me, Nilsson is WAGNER. I have heard her sing Puccini (turandot), and Aida (which is better presented by more Italianate singers). The German wing of the world of opera is well served by Nilsson. The first thing that struck me about this recording was that it was closer (though none of her recordings come that close) in capturing the real grandeur of her singing, and her sound. Recordings seem to capture a "stuck in the throat" sort of sound at times that simply is never heard in performance. Each selection is masterly sung, and I have to say, masterly conducted as well. Wagner is orchestra as well as singing, and a badly conceived orchestral presentation only ruins him, no matter how great the singing. This orchestra is brought to its very best, and the magic of the music is there in full. The lyrical nature of Wagner is very present as well. That is a good thing, as often he is conducted as if he is nothing more than a sea of sound, and the real lyrical beauty of his music is lost. Sometimes even the singers "bark" rather than sing his phrases and we are left wondering why he is considered music at all. Well, in this recording there is none of that. It is highly lyrical, and very well balanced. Some may think Nilsson is recorded too close, but actually, I am not sure that is the case, for when she performed live the orchestra often became quite subdued in comparison to her voice. Now, I have to say, Nilsson is not the only revelation when listening to this disk, her partner in the various scenes she sings is simply unbelievable. Now that is the best bass singing I have ever heard. The interpretations are riviting, and the quality of the voice is truly grand, touching, and moving. This is well worth the money. I would buy it anytime if I were a lover of fine music and fine artistry."

YOU MUST GET THIS SET!!!

Bruce A. McMenomy | 12/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hi everybody!!This is a stunning set of Wagner pieces. You must get it!!! I very very highly recommend it because Birgit Nilsson and Hans Hotter are incredible - just pure incredible!!! Talk about power! This is nuclear power. And beautiful nuclear power too!!"