Wagner: Parsifal - Thomas, Dalis, Hotter, London, Neidlinger, Talvela, Janowitz, Silja; Knappertsbusch. Bayreuth 1962

Description: Hans Knappertsbusch leads a mesmerizing performance of Parsifal. Although Knappertsbusch would return to this opera many times during his long tenure at Bayreuth, no two summers were ever the same. His deep yet flexible understanding of the work gives the impression that each new production was a reset, with Knappertsbusch incorporating the dramatic and musical impulses of the cast to create a unique experience each time. For my money, Irene Dalis is the vocal stand-out of the cast. 1962 was squarely in the prime of her legendary career, and she sings Kundry with both confidence and dramatic commitment. Jess Thomas is nearly perfect in the title role, using his lyric tenor to stunning effect. In Mono OD 11818-4