This disc is a tribute to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (perhaps the most recorded singer of all time) and his operatic career at the Bavarian State Opera House in Munich. These seven selections from live broadcasts sets a standard of excellence, both from the soloists and the orchestra, that is a match for many studio recordings. However, this disc comes without texts or translations, and the program notes deal more with Fischer-Dieskau's career than with the excerpts themselves; this omission is doubly frustrating here because ...
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This disc is a tribute to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (perhaps the most recorded singer of all time) and his operatic career at the Bavarian State Opera House in Munich. These seven selections from live broadcasts sets a standard of excellence, both from the soloists and the orchestra, that is a match for many studio recordings. However, this disc comes without texts or translations, and the program notes deal more with Fischer-Dieskau's career than with the excerpts themselves; this omission is doubly frustrating here because the baritone's art has always revolved around the declamation of text..The disc opens with a lengthy scene from Act II of Cardillac by Hindemith. It is wonderfully portrayed, but for most listeners the beauty of the singing and orchestral playing will be sufficient. Amfortas' monologue from Parsifal, which follows, does not excerpt well--it needs to be heard in the context of the whole opera. The most impressive performance is the duet from Salome with Leonie Rysanek. It comes from...
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