Wagner: Tannhauser

Another first-class production of a major opera, with big-name cast & conductor and remastered sonics. Compare to the other (few) Tannhäuser recordings at twice the price and more. This Tannhäuser has been specially selected from the vast Opera d'Oro catalogue to be issued with a complete libretto in new translation for the Grand Tier series at midprice.

An array of top Wagner signers lead the cast under the taut direction of German conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch. Tenor René Kollo, one of the best Wagner tenors of recent times, brings unusual lyricism to the title role. Radiant German soprano Gundula Janowitz is perfectly cast as the saintly heroine Elizabeth. Baritone Wolfgang Brendel sings the famous aria "O du mein holder Abendstern" as beautifully as any ever recorded, by popular acclaim. Mezzo Mignon Dunn, a once under-appreciated singer with a cult following nowadays, is a most alluring Venus.

Live performance, Perugia, October 1, 1972