Lohengrin Studio recording in stereo November 23, 1962 - April 3, 1963 Conductor: Rudolf Kempe König Heinrich Gottlob Frick Lohengrin Jess Thomas Elsa Elisabeth Grümmer Telramund Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau Ortrud Christa Ludwig Der Heerrufer Otto Wiener Ein Edle ? Ein Edle ? Ein Edle ? Ein Edle ? Wiener Philharmoniker Chor der Wiener Staatsoper

EMI, CMS 5 67415 2 3 CDs ADD Back Find any errors? Review by Scott Grunow Kempe's is still the best Lohengrin even after more than 30 years. With the shimmering sound of the Vienna strings, Kempe's masterful conducting and the most consistent cast, listening is still a sublime experience. Kempe never rushes the climax in the Prelude; the ensemble at the end of Act I builds to an exaltation that leaps out the speakers, while his control in the long ensemble at the end of Act II, with his subtle highlighting of the theme of Ortrud's machinations, is truly phenomenal. And the cast in today's dearth of natural-born Wagnerians is a dream. The late Elisabeth Grümmer was the Elsa and Elisabeth of her generation; her voice is pure, yet soars effortlessly over the heaviest ensemble passages. And Ludwig in one of her best roles actually manages to keep her beauty of tone despite the character's malevolence, the higher passages holding little strain for her. Though Fischer-Dieskau's voice is lightweight for the murderous part of Telramund, he displays his usual intelligence and temperament. Frick is suitably grave and authoritarian. The only drawback is the performance of Jess Thomas in the title role. Though his tone is firm, clear and ringing, he makes little of the text even though his line is generally smooth, and his great moment, "In fernem land", makes its message known, especially with Kempe's marvelous conducting. The Vienna Staatsoper Chorus under the direction of Richard Rossmayer sings with superb line and control. My advice to Wagnerians: if you must have only one recording of Lohengrin, obtain this one. You may even be able to glimpse the Grail on the top of Monsalvat.