Given Bernstein’s sheer sweep of the music of Richard Strauss (the ‘Salome’ excerpts are spine-tingling) it’s a pity he didn’t record any more. These precious recordings with Montserrat Caballe, are valuable not only for Bernstein’s advocacy of Strauss on record but also for the Spanish singer’s shimmering interpretations – girl-like in the opera, ravishing in the five orchestral songs. The coupling, the famous extended Prologue from Boito’s ‘Mefistofele’, complete with choral forces, is one of Bernstein’s most sought-after recordings and is done with all his characteristic élan. Long unavailable, this recording is restored to the catalogue at budget price.
RICHARD STRAUSS
Salome:
Schluβgesang (Final scene)
Tanz der sieben Schleier (Dance of the seven veils)
Five Orchestral Songs:
Cäcilie, Op. 27 No. 2
Wiegenlied, Op. 41 No. 1
Ich liebe dich, Op. 37 No. 2
Morgen!, Op. 27 No. 2
Zueignung, Op. 10 No. 1
ARRIGO BOITO
Mefistofele
Prologo in cielo roman type
Montserrat Caballé, soprano [1], [3]-[7]
Nicolai Ghiaurov, bass [8]-[12]
Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor [9]-[12]
Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen [9]-[12]
Orchestre National de France [1]-[7]
Wiener Philharmoniker [8]-[12]
Leonard Bernstein
Executive producer: Günter Breest
Recording producer: Hans Weber
Recording engineer: Klaus Scheibe
Recording locations: Maison de la Radio, Paris, May 1977 (Strauss); Grosser Musikvereinssaal, April 1977 (Boito)
‘Caballé sings with solid, beautifully produced tone … Ghaiurov gives an arresting portrayal of Mefistofele … full of colour, sparkle and sensuality’ ClassicsToday.com
‘Riveting and hugely impressive … at a purely musical level this remains amongst the cream of the Eloquence catalogue’ MusicWeb