Search - R. Strauss, Reining, Bohm :: Ariadne Auf Naxos

A legendary night at the opera

dharbin_uk@yahoo.com | Nottingham | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my favourite opera recordings. The sound is believeable and well balanced. Sometimes the top sound is a little harsh but the bass is very rich. The brass & timpanii crescendo in the final moments is thrilling. Bohm paces the work directly, with subtle rubato and with obvious care. Above all it is the singing that impresses. Reining is simply magnificent. She has a rock solid, creamy sound and is able to float and soar to spectacular effect. Lorenz is gutsy with the requisite power to bring off the final moments. Some may find the dated vocal techniques, especially of rising to notes, 'different', but I find it an endearing record of a lost vocal tradition. The ensemble, sense of occasion and sheer joy of music making lift this set well above the Karajan and Masur recordings which are more technically perfect but routine in comparison. I hesitated to buy such an old recording but needn't have worried. An easy 5 stars."