Description:

This performance of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg features Paul Schöffler at the end of his glorious career and in one of his greatest roles. Already in his 60s, Schöffler’s voice proves tireless despite the nearly 2 hours of continuous singing that is required of Hans Sachs. He also makes much of Sachs’ more intimate moments particularly his Act II aria. He has an excellent Eva in the form of Gré Brouwenstijn who brings vocal opulence without compromising any of the character’s wide-eyed wonder. Hans Hopf’s oversized tenor is not as successful at conveying youthfulness, but he makes up for it with a remarkably controlled and delicate Preislied especially given the size of his voice. The rest of the cast is made up of local singers with the exception of a young Walter Berry who commands all of Fritz Kothner’s brief but important moments. The sounds is generally good although there is some mild distortion in the Act I Prelude.

BONUS:
Paul Schöffler sings excerpts from Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Bayreuth, 1943

OD 11032-4