Search - Carl Maria von Weber, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Luba Orgonasova :: Weber - Der Freischütz / Orgonasova · Wottrich · C. Schäfer · Salminen · Holzmair · Moll · Cachemaille · Harnoncourt

One of my favourite operas-beautifully executed......

Sam | Seahurst, Washington | 09/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Harnoncourt's electrifying and inspirational version of this operatic warhorse was recorded live at concert performances in the Philharmonie in Berlin in 1995 and the engineers have done wonders in passing on the atmosphere of a stage performance rather than a concert one, not least in the Wolf's Glen scene, helped by recording of a very wide dynamic range. Harnoncourt clarifies textures and paces the drama well, making it sound fresh and new. The cast is first rate, with Orgonasova singing luminously as Agathe, not just pure but sumptuous of tone, floating high pianissimos ravishingly. Christine Schafter, sweet and expressive, makes Aennchen into far more than just a soubrette character and Erich Wottrich as Max is aptly heroic and unstrained, if hardly beautiful. The lineup of baritones and basses is impressive too, all firm and clear, contrasting sharply with one another, a team unlikely to bettered today. A clear first choice among modern, digital recordings."