As you have never heard the great Flagstad before. What a voice, in virtual retirement, in her 63rd. year. It's unmistakeable Flagstad, a few years older than we are accustomed to hearing her, but what a voice!
It's intended to be sung by a choir!
Singing completely away from her Wagner repertoire. Ten years earlier, her voice must have been one of the greatest ever put on record. Such power,smoothness,unique timbre, sounding like a very large cut, polished diamond flying past you on it's journey to the rear of the hall.I'm not keen on Wagner, and have only listened to her Liebestod, and her other popular Wagner pieces captured, using the 78rpm shellac source, transferred to LP vinyl or CD. This is a revelation!
What a difference the'new' recording techniques made, when capturing voice timbre, breath support, carrying power, when necessary. Every vice and virtue in the voice is captured. Mainly virtue,in Flagstad's case, I hasten to add! Recorded using the very early stereo tape technique. In the 1950's, even in mono, Decca had a very high reputation for the quality of their recordings. A much 'closer, richer, truer' capture of the musicians. Far superior to their larger rivals.
Three cheers for John Culshaw,arguably the foremost recording producer, at that time, who suggested these recording sessions to her. A man dedicated to his task and Decca. If you can find his autobiography 'Putting the Record Straight', buy it. Try online used. Should be cheap. Gives an insight into the difficulties he experienced behind the scenes at Decca, and the great artists with whom he worked. He fought tooth and nail getting the artists he wanted, singing/ playing in works he was certain would be a financial and artistic success. At the that time, the management were only interested in one thing ----money, and often prevaricated for so long, the opportunity was lost forever. He's very frank. He moved to the BBC in 1967.
PERHAPS WE SHOULD DEDICATE THIS RECORDING TO JOHN CULSHAW?
We tend to forget the people who make great recordings possible.
BACH. Cantata 147.
Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
CDlNBUXS_tc
