Search - Richard [Classical] Wagner, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Wagner: Tristan und Isolde

A note on the packaging

Joseph Curwen | 06/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, if you haven't noticed, EMI currently has three editions of Furtwangler's 'Tristan' in print. After my 'Great Recordings of the Century' set was damaged I decided to look about & buy another one. What immmediately attracted my attention was the price. I know it may sound to good to be true, but this is the same classic recording at budget price. However, you also get budget packaging: no slipcase, no libretto. Minor quibbles since the libretto can be purchased fairly inexpensively. There are a set of notes on a little booklet let inside the case, but these are the same liner notes that accompany the 'Great Recordings of the Century' set. The remastering is the same as the one done in '01. Altogether an excellent bargain. I know that the budget CD company Naxos has also released this recording (I suppose the copyright expired) However, steer clear of that one. The remastering was made off the LPs & not the original tapes, so the sound is variable at best."

The best Tristan and Isolde recording of all

KC | London, England | 02/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This legendary recording deserves every accolade lavished on it. It is wonderful. Flagstad is so richly toned vocally. Suthaus has a lovely voice too. Furtwangler conducts as one totally in command of the score.

This budget edition is excellent value.

Once quibble I have about this recording and it's mastering (in 2001), in the final liebstod sung by Isolde there is an appallingly intrusive noise that occurs because someone dropped something on the floor during the recording. Flagstad is so wonderful and one is carried off by her singing only to be jolted into reality by what sounds like a shattered fountain pen or something dropped near the microphone. Surely with today's technology such an intrusive noise (in the ultimate 'aria') could be edited out. Sadly this noise nows makes me wait for it in every version of the opera I hear (I am waiting for the clatter of a dropped object)."

The classic Tristan & Isolde

Antonio Navarrete | Oak Brook, Illinois USA | 03/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent recording capturing Furwangler's romantic reading of Wagner's classic. Suthaus is a worthy Tristan to the more famous Flagstad'd Isolde. Tempo and dynamics are magnificent,and

the discords crystal clear until the final resolution on the tonic. A recording to covet."