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Wagner - Die Walkure / Levine, Behrens, Norman, Metropolitan OperaRating:
Release Date: 19 June, 2001 Retail Price: $39.98 Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: |
Wagner - Die Walkure / Levine, Behrens, Norman, Metropolitan Opera Reviews
A Disapointment...
After purchasing Das Rheingold, one became entranced, not only by the casting, but also of the conducting (though, at times, the percussion of Levine holds too much prominence -- though it may just be the recording); thus, it was with such a heart that one ventured to purchase Die Walk�re. Alas, after the first act, one had stopped listening. As a conductor, Levine is the only American I know of to give a satisfactory performance of Wagnerian music. Unfortunately, the casting in this particular production is ridiculously disapointing; given, Hunding is extraordinarily wonderful with a voice perfectly matched for the given part; but that of Norman is rather destructive to the ideal of Sieglinde. Her accentuation and breathing were the greatest problems (and, at some points, carried a breath with so much force that it swelled above the music). Her acting, also, was atrocious. It is hard to believe that the greatest Opera company in the country has failed to find a better singer for the etherial part of Sieglinde. The Siegmund is mediocre, and there is not much else to say. It is depressing that such a wonderous production has failed in the most popular of the cycle, but, what does one know...
James Morris-a Wotan for the ages
(THIS IS NOT THE SAME RECORDING AS THE LEVINE CD VERSION)
Die Walkure is my favourite opera. I have listened to many editions, always looking for that perfect combination of singers. This set comes pretty close, in fact, if not for Brunnhilde played by Brunnhilde, I cannot think of a more enjoyable experience. That is not to say that these are the finest singers in their roles but overall(with the exception of Brunnhilde, they are all good.
James Morris' portrayal of Wotan, in my opinion clearly is the greatest performance of Wotan, if not any Wagner character ever. That's right, ever. His portrayal, compared with Solti's London, or Dieskau, Hotter even, or even his CD Levine Wotan with either LEvine or Haitink, is phenomenal. While the others tend to act and often sound as immovable bullies, Morris comes across as a caring father type figure, revealing a humanity lost by most portrays-basically this is a three psychologically three dimensional performance)He is especially endearing during his explanation to Brunnhilde regarding Siegmunde. This standard of Excellence continues throughout the entire Levine ring on DVD, recorded two years after the CD traversal. Morris is good on the CD, but his DVD Wotan is great, even unparalleled. For years, the Furtwangler VPO set was my standard, along with Solti's(when in that mood), though I have yet to hear Keilberth's new set which is garnering almost irrational praise(though at $100 for each opera, better be great. The entire Levine ring(DVD) can be purchased for less than that, with romantic visionary sets returning to the old school of opera production, this ring cycle and in particular DIE Walkure(except Brunnhilde) are sure to remain forerunner's above all competition.
Levine's conducting is, as always, often languished, but unlike in Rheingold(particularly the Giant theme), it more often than not extremely effective. Some of the greatest moments are even more effective taken at Levine's pace, highlighting the sufferering, notice the drama and powerful impact while Brunnhillde is telling Siegmunde about the afterlife.
Again, Brunnhilde Berhens is one of the only yuks. She has clearly lost something in the two years separating the CD and DVD versions-her CD Brunnhilde is fine, good even. But she seems to strain during the Valkyrie exclamation(which are almost painfully ridiculous)you can see the strain on her face. Her looks are also less than stellar and if I were Siegfried would have left her to sleep. She hardly seems like the kind of woman to teach Siegfied about love and fear\well fear maybe.
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