Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Bernard Haitink, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra :: Wagner: Opera Preludes; Siegfried Idyll

Five Star Limited

Franco Landi | Irvine, California | 10/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am glad to see this CD is still available. A long time ago, my step- father played a version of Tristan and Isolde (Prelude and Liebestod) on his expensive stereo system. It was the first time I had heard serious music through a serious sound system. As my step-father cranked the system to concert hall loudness, he "conducted" the music as it unfolded. At that moment, I became initiated into the glorious wonder of classical music (and to the craziness of my step-father). From then on, I could no longer appreciate music just listening to Wild Thing through the speakers of my 1969 Chevy Nova.



Originally, I bought this CD for Tristan and Isolde, which is not the best version of it I've heard since. However, I came to discover the two gems on the CD, which make me give it a five star limited rating now: the Lohengrin Prelude, act 1; and the Parsifal Prelude, act 1. These two renditions are filled with delicate sensitivity and sublime beauty. I have yet to hear any better versions of them, after a few tries.



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