Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg

Compact Disc only goes to prove what a true and natural recording this has always been, with an ideal balance between voice and orchestra, and just the right amount of air around both. So, from the sound point of view, this a very welcome addition to the CD catalogue. Where the conducting is concerned, we can admire Jochum's clear, direct, yet beautifully warm direction, with a degree of passion when required, and no place where the conductor draws attention to himself. The playing of the orchestram excellent throughout, reaches notable heights in Act 3. Fischer-Dieskau's Sachs remains controversial: fine legato (at the start of the Fliedermonolog, for instance) and a comprehensive understanding of the text has to be set against places where its projection becomes explosive. Hermann remains an admirably straight and superbly sung Beckmesser, with Ludwig an ideal Magdalena. Ligendza's Eva is not always tonally ideal but better than the others on modern versions. In the case of Domingo, there is the secure, strong singing to admire, along with rich tone, smooth legato, and tirelessly bright and wonderful sound, unmatched by any other singer of the role on recordings (although Schock and Konya come close along with the advantage of idiomatic German)! Lagger's excellent Pogner and Feldhoff's superb Kothner add to the high quality of this set.