Description:

Given that Tristan und Isolde was one of only a few operas that Carlos Kleiber conducted regularly, there is happily no shortage of recordings of him doing it.   Almost all feature Caterina Ligendza as Isolde.  Her voice was lighter than most who attempted this role but she always managed to pace herself to the end.  For me the true attraction is Spas Wenkoff as Tristan.  His voice was burnished and his breath control astounding.   He brought the kind of tortured quality (not vocally) that one wants in this role.  Kleiber’s conducting is fresh and inspired.  There are many differences from the recording released by DG.  The sound is excellent.

OD 10262-3