Tristan Und Isolde CD

 The Best
Although I'm not crazy about the restricted recording dynamics of the this recording, the performance is intense and beautiful. There never was an Isolde to equal Nilsson's and Windgassen shows here that he was often very underrated. He sings with intelligence, beauty, and intensity. The supporting cast is outstanding as well. Nilsson live in the opera house was something beyond description, but unfortunately we only have recordings that, although wonderful, really give no idea of her true sound.
Submitted by ty.collins (Clarkesville, GA)
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 Once good always good
performed years ago, this recording is outstanding, one of a kind!
Submitted by latmpr (San Juan, PR) 
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 The best Tristan ever sounded.
Birgit Nilsson was a great Isolde, Christa Ludwig a great Brangane, but it is Windgassen's Tristan that proved truly astounding in this recording - his understanding of the script and the emotions behind each stanza is marvellous, coupled by his lyrical heldentenor, much more convincing in sound than Jon Vickers.
Submitted by Shinabel (HONG KONG SAR)
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 One of the all-time great recordings of any opera
This live recording from the 1966 Bayreuth Festival is as good as recorded opera gets. All of the thrill of a great live performance is captured in this recording. Nilsson and Windgassen are both in glorious voice, and they make a deeply moving pair of lovers. Under the quick pace set by Karl Boehm's baton, this "Tristan" definitely keeps moving, but it never feels "rushed" to me, and the quick tempi frequently enhance the excitement of the performance. When you throw in Christa Ludwig's radiant Brangaene and Martti Talvela's powerful yet touching King Marke, this becomes one of those "must-have" recordings. And at this price, it's a no-brainer. I also own the studio recordings of this opera made by Furtwaengler, Karajan, Solti and Bernstein, but this is the recording I return to most often. (The wonderful Karajan recording with Vickers and Dernesch is a close second, however, and the 1952 mono recording made by Furtwaengler with Flagstad and Suthaus has surprisingly decent sound and some great performances, notably the astounding Flagstad.) If you only own one recording of "Tristan", however, get this Boehm recording from Bayreuth. You will not be disappointed, and it will become one of the treasures of your collection.
Submitted by a reviewer (Washington, DC)
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 Simply the best
Well, what is there to say but that this is the ideal "Tristan"? There's never been a more luscious orchestra, a more radiant Isolde and a more hallucinated Tristan. Simply the best, really...
Submitted by eric64 (Paris, France)
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