Wiener Staatsoper Live series

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Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72

Christa Ludwig, Gundula Janowitz, Jon Vickers, Walter Berry, Walter Kreppel, Waldemar Kmentt & Eberhard Wächter

Wiener Staatsopernchor & Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Herbert von Karajan

Never before released (we do not acknowledge pirate productions!), recorded at a single evening's performance (25 May 1962), this Fidelio, under the baton of Herbert von Karajan (who was also responsible for the acclaimed stage production), is remarkable for its spontaneity and sense of theatrical presence.

“This live recording is fascinating, but falls below Karajan’s famed perfectionism, and both Ludwig and Vickers sound less comfortable than with Klemperer. Gundula Janowitz’s Marzelline is a gem, while Ludwig and Vickers even below par are worth hearing for their dramatic conviction.” Sunday Times, 13th April 2008 ***

“An intense, exciting night at the opera, tightly controlled and successfully brought off by Karajan … It’s fascinating to share the experience of such live recordings.” Hermes Opera Lexicon