The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I understand not everyone likes opera, let alone Wagner opera but as Wagner arias go, these are very listenable. For those that do like/love Wagner here is a transfer of a beautiful Columbia Royal Blue sung by Lotte Lehmann from 1930. It was originally an Odeon release and was recorded in Berlin. I think this is remarkable for the time it was recorded. And, Lotte Lehmann is among the best German singers of all time. I have transferred other records by her, but they do not compare to the great sound this record produced. I hope some of you enjoy this. These songs have been available on CD and other media over the years. Not really all that rare. But, I could not resist the transfer when I heard how clean the record was.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)

https://youtu.be/9F7ZSo72Kzg

Thank yo for this! I do not remember ever having heard a Wagner singer handle the words with either the clarity or the emotional intensity that Lehmann brings to the opening of the Liebestod; she treats it as if it were as intimate as a song by Schubert, and yet there is no lack of power.

Oliver Mundy.

Menophanes wrote:Thank yo for this! I do not remember ever having heard a Wagner singer handle the words with either the clarity or the emotional intensity that Lehmann brings to the opening of the Liebestod; she treats it as if it were as intimate as a song by Schubert, and yet there is no lack of power.

Oliver Mundy.

Oliver, a very good observation of the performance of the Liebestod. As Lotte Lehmann is considered by many to be the best Lieder singer of the last century, it makes sense she would bring some of that to her opera interpretations. Indeed the beginning of the aria is clearly and gently sung. And, rarely done with such a clarity.