Rating: 
Summary: An all-round ideal 'Meistersinger'
Review: Surely it is rare to see such a roundly satisfying performance of Meistersinger - with no significant drawbacks in any aspect of singing, acting or production.Contrary to "A Viewer from USA", Karita Mattila is not magnificent on this DVD. She isn't in it at all. They may be thinking of the soon-to-be-released MET DVD on DG. But Brendel's Sachs is wonderful - ruminative, wise, handsome in a hard-working middle-aged way, thoroughly convincing. He certainly is not meant to be a 'craggy old man' - how then could we make sense of Eva's Act 3 outburst that if she had the choice she would marry him? No, Brendel gets it right, his voice full and firm to the end, and he galvanises an impressive cast. Winbergh's lyrical and expressive Walther could be put in the shade by odious comparisons to the role's greatest exponents on disc - Konya & Heppner (the latter is on the forthcoming MET DVD) - but he is certainly thoroughly enjoyable, even if he lets emotion override singing the notes towards the end of the prize song. The Quintet eventually takes flight though Eva Johannson doesn't launch it with much inspiration. Her outburst at "O Sachs, Mein Freund", though, is spine-tingling, and she looks the part, attractive if not quite as beautiful as Ute Walther, her Magdalena. David & Beckmesser are both well-routined, thoroughly sung and wonderfully acted. Gotz Friedrich's direction is pure gold. The orchestra is on terrific form. This is first-class singing, acting and music making all round. No regrets here.
Rating:
Summary: An all-round ideal 'Meistersinger'
Review: Surely it is rare to see such a roundly satisfying performance of Meistersinger - with no significant drawbacks in any aspect of singing, acting or production. Contrary to "A Viewer from USA", Karita Mattila is not magnificent on this DVD. She isn't in it at all. They may be thinking of the soon-to-be-released MET DVD on DG. But Brendel's Sachs is wonderful - ruminative, wise, handsome in a hard-working middle-aged way, thoroughly convincing. He certainly is not meant to be a 'craggy old man' - how then could we make sense of Eva's Act 3 outburst that if she had the choice she would marry him? No, Brendel gets it right, his voice full and firm to the end, and he galvanises an impressive cast. Winbergh's lyrical and expressive Walther could be put in the shade by odious comparisons to the role's greatest exponents on disc - Konya & Heppner (the latter is on the forthcoming MET DVD) - but he is certainly thoroughly enjoyable, even if he lets emotion override singing the notes towards the end of the prize song. The Quintet eventually takes flight though Eva Johannson doesn't launch it with much inspiration. Her outburst at "O Sachs, Mein Freund", though, is spine-tingling, and she looks the part, attractive if not quite as beautiful as Ute Walther, her Magdalena. David & Beckmesser are both well-routined, thoroughly sung and wonderfully acted. Gotz Friedrich's direction is pure gold. The orchestra is on terrific form. This is first-class singing, acting and music making all round. No regrets here.
Rating:
Summary: Hail,Sachs!Hail,Brendel!
Review: This not perfect,yet so overpowering "Meistersinger" DVD is unimpeachable about one essential matter;that's inconceivable an old,exhausted Sachs voice singing a more than fifty minutes vocal part on this opera and yet,to stir some credible sexual curiosity from Eva about this guy.So,how can I hope a better Sachs performance than Brendel's,just here?He was stupendous. What a touching,vehement,diligent Sachs;his voice is shining,uniform and vigorous from very beginning to the end of opera.I watched this several times,probably just because his so enlightened performance.Another jewel here is Eike Schulte(Beckmesser);a so clever actor,enjoyng each single action on the plot,just like the perfect counterpoint to a progressive (xenophobe,as well)Sachs.On the other hand,I have restrictions on the leading couple;Eva Johansson seems to me much more commited in to display her piercing (irritating,sometimes)voice than on character itself,like if she was singing Elektra or Chrisotemis.However,better excessive than an poor voice.Question mark to me was Gösta Winbergh;act I,he sings the perfect Walther,then losts the plummet on final act II,much more "parlando" then singing the notes on score.Never in tunning on "Morgen",Prize Song,even in his singing class under his master.Vigorous phrasing works much better to his technique and he knows that,sometimes performing a bit brutal.Burgos surely belives on Nuremberg's characters happiness and seems engaged himself on more cheerful aspects on the score.Chorus is astonishing!Very fine orchestral job.Not perfect this DVD,yet so absolutely correct!Why was that?Just because was sincere,competent and absolutely touching.An extroverted "Meistersinger" just to be delighted for.
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