Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Joseph Keilberth, Bavarian State Opera Orchestra :: Richard Strauss: Die Ägyptische Helena

"A tremendous performance. While in mono and obviously not comparable to the range of Telarc's digital recording, it is, in fact, better balanced, and the advantage of an experienced opera conductor at the helm is incalculable ... Keilberth is remarkable ... Leonie Rysanek is heard here at near the beginning of her long career. She both confirms her reputation and enhances it some ... She is simply incomparable ... Not to be missed." -- FanfareLeonie Rysanek was one of the greatest Wagner-and-Strauss sopranos of recent times and many of her recordings are considered definitive. Certainly that description applies to this legendary performance, which most critics agree has never been surpassed. This is the only available recording of Strauss's 1933 revised version of the opera, which has some significant changes in Act II. All other recordings are of the 1928 original. Strauss himself preferred the revised version!