Word: lps
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
WAGNER: TRISTAN AND ISOLDE (5 LPs; Deutsche Grammophon). Just as the lovers sing in darkest Liebesnacht of the light that shines within them, this recording illuminates Wagner's murky masterpiece. Taped live at Bayreuth last summer, it is by far the best interpretation yet. Most of the credit goes to Karl Bohm, who brings out all the opera's passion and eroticism without tripping over its technical difficulties. The tempos are strong, the melodic and thematic lines always clear-all of which supports the singers and frees them to pour their strength into vocal characterization. In the seven...
Otto Klemperer's version, with the Philharmonia and New Philharmonia orchestras (Angel; 2 LPs), has superb soloists, Mezzo-Soprano Christa Ludwig and Tenor Fritz Wunderlich, whose promise was cut short by his accidental death last summer at 35. The orchestra sounds wonderfully clear and portentous, as though this were the last music to be played on the day of doom. Although Klemperer's playing time is actually shorter than Bernstein's, Angel chose to record the piece on three LP sides, filling the fourth with five Mahler songs...
HANDEL: THE MESSIAH (Angel; 3 LPs). There are fine readings of Handel's greatest work for every taste, most recently the beautifully sung, small-scale version conducted by Colin Davis, who scrupulously observed the spirit of baroque musical convention. Nevertheless, this newest entry is even more faithful to the composer and serves as a good introduction to the sensitive baton of Charles Mackerass, an Australian-trained conductor steeped in 18th century lore. His soloists (including Janet Baker and Elizabeth Harwood) do not equal those of the Davis recording; but this is a wonderfully stirring performance, astringent with a heavy...
...about half of all new LP records. Even the new monaural phonographs are now equipped to play stereo records without damaging them. So it seemed a natural step last week when Columbia, RCA Victor and Capitol Records announced they were eliminating the only competitive advantage that mono LPs have by raising their price $1, making them as costly as stereo...
HOROWITZ IN CONCERT (Columbia; 2 LPs). Vladimir Horowitz is an artist of excruciating insight, courage and magnetism. His own nobility leaves no room for banality in song or style-and he therefore gave Columbia a hard time before finally approving the release of these widely varied selections from two 1966 Carnegie Hall recitals. Perfectionist that he may be, Horowitz should rest assured that his most hard-bitten critics will find a multitude of moments to cheer in this moving album...