Wagner: Tannhäuser - Beirer, Brouwenstijn, Ludwig, Wächter, Frick, Kmentt, Janowitz; Karajan. Wien, 1962
Description: In characteristic form, Herbert von Karajan assembles an all-star cast for this lush, romantic reading of Wagner’s Tannhäuser. Gré Brouwenstijn is radiant as Elisabeth, charting a vivid emotional arc from innocence to martyrdom with both vocal splendor and psychological nuance. Christa Ludwig brings her luxuriant mezzo to the role of Venus, making the most of the extended passages from the Paris version of the score. Eberhard Wächter offers a beautifully lyrical Wolfram, his singing refined and expressive throughout. Gottlob Frick brings commanding authority to the Landgraf, rounding out the cast with gravitas. Despite the strength of the ensemble, the performance is somewhat hampered by Hans Beirer in the title role. While his stamina and effort in this punishing part are admirable, his vocalism lacks the finesse and musicality of his colleagues. One senses that Karajan’s exquisite orchestral support—and the production’s polish overall—are somewhat lost on him. The cast