Chor und Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin, Franz Konwitschny – Wagner: Tannhäuser (1960/2021) [SACD / Tower Records Definition Serie – TDSA-187/9]

Title: Chor und Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin, Franz Konwitschny – Wagner: Tannhäuser (1960/2021)
Genre: Classical
Format: SACD ISO

Among the many Tannhäuser recordings, this stands out as one of Konwitschny’s most compelling opera recordings, now available for the first time worldwide on SACD! The astonishing 1960 recording is remastered in the finest sound quality. Includes new liner notes and bilingual translations. Newly remastered from the original analog master tapes in the UK using the latest technology. Limited edition of 800 sets with serial numbers. This legendary 1960 recording, featuring a stellar cast, has been magnificently revived. Among Convitchny’s relatively few stereo opera recordings, this EMI label Tannhäuser—highly regarded alongside his contemporaneous “Flying Dutchman”—is not merely nostalgic for the good old days of German opera, but stands as an eternal masterpiece. The original master tapes have remained in excellent condition to this day, delivering astonishingly clear sound quality that feels like a contemporary recording. This is an outstanding album in both performance and recording. It utilizes a master digitally converted at 192kHz/24bit from the original analog master tapes in Germany, with separate mastering for the SACD layer and CD layer. Includes new liner notes and bilingual libretto. A permanent preservation edition. Limited to 800 sets with serial number stickers. Franz Konwitschny’s (1901-62) recordings saw numerous stereo sources from the Berlin Classics original discs reissued in 2020. This high-fidelity restoration has brought into sharp focus his previously overlooked, exceptional musicality and qualities. The revival of his meticulously detailed conducting, preserved on the master tapes, owes much to this improved sound quality. While the number of recordings is limited due to the early stereo era, each surviving disc is a true gem. Among his scarce opera recordings, this “Tannhäuser” stands alongside his “Flying Dutchman” from the same period as highly acclaimed, featuring a cast whose strength remains astonishing even today. Moreover, the freshness of the sound quality in this reissue, including the singing, is astonishing—it’s hard to believe these recordings are over 60 years old. If subjected to a blind test, some might mistake them for recent recordings. Previous CD releases suffered from a hazy resolution that failed to fully convey their true value. I urge you to pay close attention to the vivid, revitalized music in this reissue, as if the fog has lifted. This is largely due to the excellent condition of the master tapes.

This time, we performed the latest mastering using a flat master created by digitizing the original 2-channel analog master tape from our home country at 192kHz/24bit. The master exhibited a well-balanced overall sound with minimal aging effects. Therefore, we prioritized preserving the original balance and focused on mastering from a musical perspective. This approach enhances the sense of distance and depth between instruments, improving spatial imaging. The result is a stress-free listening experience where you can fully enjoy the finest performances. Additionally, the booklet features new liner notes by Daisuke Hirose. For this series, the SACD layer aims for extended highs, soft nuances, high resolution, and a rich soundstage, while the CD layer strives for a cohesive, solid sound with a tangible, present-to-the-touch tonal quality. The CD itself possesses high potential; indeed, we encourage you to enjoy it as an SACD hybrid disc that lets you savor the best of both worlds. This 35th installment of the Definition Series will release a total of two titles.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

Disc 1
Tannhäuser
01. Ouverture (13:57)
02. Act 1 Scene 1: “Naht euch dem Strande” (4:49)
03. Act 1 Scene 2: “Geliebter, sag, wo weilt dein Sinn?” (4:31)
04. Act 1 Scene 2: “Dir tone Lob” (5:44)
05. Act 1 Scene 2: “Geliebter, komm! sieh dort die Grotte” (8:35)
06. Act 1 Scene 3: “Frau Holda kam aus dem Berg hervor” (8:48)
07. Act 1 Scene 3: “Frau Holda kam aus dem Berg hervor” (5:27)
08. Act 1 Scene 4: “Als du in kuhnem Sange uns bestrittest” (6:42)

Disc 2
Tannhäuser
01. Act 2 Scene 1: Einleitung – “Dich, teure Halle, gruss ich wieder” (5:05)
02. Act 2 Scene 2: “Dort ist sie, nahe dich ihr ungestort!” (7:16)
03. Act 2 Scene 2: “Den Gott der Liebe sollst du preisen!” (4:26)
04. Act 2 Scene 3: “Dich treff ich hier in dieser Halle” (4:07)
05. Act 2 Scene 4: Einzug der Gaste, “Freudig begrussen wir die edle Halle” (8:23)
06. Act 2 Scene 4: “Gar viel und schon ward hier in dieser Halle” (6:10)
07. Act 2 Scene 4: “Blick ich umher in diesem edlen Kreise” (6:31)
08. Act 2: “Den Bronnen, den uns Wolfram nannte” (3:35)
09. Act 2 Scene 4: “Heraus zum Kampfe mit uns allen!” (5:02)
10. Act 2 Scene 4: “Was hor’ ich!, wie?” (11:42)
11. Act 2 Scene 4: “Ein furchtbares Verbrechen ward begangen” (8:09)

Disc 3
Tannhäuser
01. Act 3 Scene 1: Einleitung (8:17)
02. Act 3 Scene 1: “Wohl wusst ich hier sie im Gebet ··· Begluckt darf nun dich” (8:08)
03. Act 3 Scene 1: “Allmacht’ge Jungfrau, hor mein Flehen!” (9:13)
04. Act 3: “Wie Todesahnung ··· O du, mein holder Abendstern” (5:16)
05. Act 3 Scene 3: “Ich horte Harfenschlag” (4:20)
06. Act 3 Scene 3: “Hor an, Wolfram, hor an!” (10:23)
07. Act 3 Scene 3: “Ha! Fuhlest du nicht milde Lufte?” (5:52)
08. Act 3 Scene 3: “Heil! Heil! Der Gnade Wunder Heil!” (2:36)

Personnel:

Elisabeth – Elisabeth Grümmer, soprano
Tannhäuser – Hans Hopf, tenor
Wolfram von Eschenbach – Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone
Hermann Landgraf von Thüringen – Gottlob Frick, bass
Heinrich der Schreiber – Gerhard Unger, tenor
Walther von der Vogelweide – Fritz Wunderlich, tenor
Biterolf – Rudolf Gonszar, bass
Reinmar von Zweter – Reiner Süß, bass
Ein junger Hirt – Lisa Otto, soprano
Venus – Marianne Schech, soprano
Vier Edelknaben – Karl-Heinz Voortmann, vocals
Vier Edelknaben – Michael Wein, vocals
Vier Edelknaben – Arnold Schremm, vocals
Vier Edelknaben – Mafred Koop, vocals
Chor und Orchester der Staatsoper Berlin
Karl Schmidt, chorus master
Franz Konwitschny, conductor

Note:

Recorded at the Grunewaldkirche, Berlin on 17-21.X.1960
Producer: Fritz Ganns
Balance Engineer: Horst Lindner
192kHz/24bit remastering from the original analogue master tapes

Download: