Description:

Pros:

• Hans Knappertsbusch leads a mesmerizing performance of Parsifal. Although Knappertsbusch would return to this opera many times during his long tenure at Bayreuth, no two summers were ever the same. His understanding of the work was deep, yet flexible, and you get the sense that each new production involved a reset in which he would incorporate the dramatic and musical impulses of the cast to create a new and unique experience.
• For my money, Irene Dalis is the vocal stand-out of the cast. 1962 was square in the prime of her legendary career, and she sings Kundry with confidence and dramatic commitment.
• Jess Thomas is near perfect in the title role, utilizing his lyric tenor to stunning effect.

Cons:

• The second half of Act I is marred by static that I was unable to edit out.

In Mono

OD 11818-4