Wagner: Parsifal - Naxos Historical Great Opera Recordings 2-CD Set

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• UPC: 636943104927
• Product Type: Audio CD (2-Disc Set)
• Brand Name: Naxos Historical
• MPN: 8.110049-50
• Genre: Classical / Opera
• Style: Romantic / Wagnerian Opera
• Composer: Richard Wagner
• Conductor(s): Karl Muck, Alfred Hertz, Siegfried Wagner
• Orchestra(s): Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin State Opera Orchestra, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra
• Release Year: 1999 (Original recordings 1913, 1927, 1928)

Product Features

• Format: 2 x CD, Mono, Historical Recordings
• Playing Time: 2 hours 38 minutes (CD 1: 78'34" / CD 2: 79'16")
• Sound Processing: AAD / CEDAR-2 de-clicking module
• Packaging: Double Jewel Case with Booklet
• Recording Dates: 1913 (Alfred Hertz), 1927 & 1928 (Karl Muck/Siegfried Wagner)

Overview

Experience the profound spiritual journey of Richard Wagner’s final masterpiece, Parsifal, through this definitive collection of historical recordings from Naxos Historical. This 2-CD set captures the legendary interpretations of Karl Muck, widely considered one of the greatest Wagnerian conductors of the early 20th century. Recorded between 1913 and 1928, these performances provide an authentic link to the traditions of the Bayreuth Festival.

The set includes the complete Karl Muck Parsifal recordings from 1927-28, alongside an orchestral suite conducted by Alfred Hertz in 1913 and the "Good Friday Spell" conducted by the composer's son, Siegfried Wagner. Featuring renowned vocalists like Alexander Kipnis and Gotthelf Pistor, this release is a must-have for collectors seeking the "Golden Age" of Wagnerian performance. The audio has been meticulously restored by Mark Obert-Thorn using the CEDAR-2 system to ensure the best possible sound quality for these archival treasures.

Interesting Facts

• The Muck Legacy: Karl Muck was a personal protégé of Cosima Wagner and conducted Parsifal at Bayreuth almost every year from 1901 to 1930. His interpretation is noted for its solemnity and adherence to Wagner's original intentions.
• The 1913 Hertz Recording: The tracks conducted by Alfred Hertz with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1913 are among the earliest significant orchestral recordings of Wagner’s music.
• A Family Affair: The inclusion of Siegfried Wagner conducting the "Good Friday Spell" offers a rare glimpse into the conducting style of the composer’s own son.
• Technical Restoration: This transfer was engineered by the acclaimed Mark Obert-Thorn, known for his ability to bring clarity and warmth to 78rpm shellac recordings.

Track Listing

CD 1 (78'34") Orchestral Suite (Alfred Hertz, 1913):

1. Prelude to Act I (14:37)
2. Act I Transformation Music (7:36)
3. Act III Transformation Music (4:46)
4. Good Friday Spell (10:02) Act I (Karl Muck, 1927):
5. Prelude (15:55)
6. Transformation Music (7:21) Grail Scene:
7. Zum letzten Liebesmahle (5:40)
8. Durch Mitleid wissend, der reine Tor (8:08)
9. Wein und Brot des letzten Mahles (4:28)

CD 2 (79'16") Act II (Karl Muck, 1927):

1. Flower Maidens Scene (Komm'! Komm'! Holder Knabe!) (4:52) Act III (Karl Muck, 1928):
2. Prelude (6:42)
3. Heil mir, dass ich dich wieder finde! (4:37)
4. O Gnade! Höchstes Heil! (13:50)
5. So ward es uns verhiessen (Good Friday Spell) (13:03)
6. Mittag: Die Stund' ist da (Transformation Music) (5:00)
7. Geleiten wir im bergenden Schrein (3:40)
8. Ja, Wehe! Wehe! (7:03)
9. Nur eine Waffe taugt (9:50) Good Friday Spell (Siegfried Wagner, 1927):
10. So ward es uns verhiessen (10:39)

Publishers

Produced and Audio Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn. Released by Naxos Rights International Ltd. © 1999 HNH International Ltd.

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