Meistersinger Quintet Barbirolli Melchior Schorr Schumann Williams Parr

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg by Richard Wagner Act III scene 4
Lauritz Melchior; Elisabeth Schumann; Friedrich Schorr; Gladys Parr; Ben Williams
Cond. John Barbirolli
London, 1932
Considered by many to be the greatest rendition of the famous quintet ever recorded.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• barbirolli
• meistersinger
• melchior
• parr
• quintet
• schorr
• schumann
• wagner
• williams

[jrakg]

According to Elisabeth Schumann's son, this recording was the final take of a long and arduous session, spoilt by balance problems and Lauritz Melchior "getting it wrong". Schumann told the producer that this must be the last "take". Little knowing what she was singing yet again, she nevertheles sounded as fresh as a bird a daybreak - albetit one with powerful lungs. - John Austin, Australia

[vstasov]

The story I read in "Tristanissimo", Melchior's biography, was that he kept coming in at the wrong time. Finally Barbirolli covered Melchior's mouth with his hand, removing it at the precise moment of Melchior's entrance.

[meltzerboy]

I read that Melchior had a habit of being slightly ahead of the conductor's beat on stage. I wonder if this is true or only a rumor circulated perhaps by a jealous soprano (or tenor).

[vstasov]

You hear exactly that phenomenon in quite a few of his recordings. He gets excited and loses track of the conductor. I suspect he was in his own little world. But it doesn't spoil him for me. I think he was a very great artist and I'm filled with admiration for him.

[muatlas]

Certainly the greatest quintet in all of opera.

[mayatatyana1]

This is an extraordinarily moving performance. Thank you. My thanks also to CurzonRoad for sharing. Maya

[G3XBM]

Sublime music which my wife and I heard for the first time today. It is absolutely magical.

[CurzonRoad]

Thanks, once again, for this unbelievably magnificent posting!

[grig035]

Arguably, the most beautiful recording yet made of, arguably, the most beautiful sequence of music in all opera. Bravi -- and many thanks.

[Glenmed]

Oh, where have I been! This is fabulous!  I'm seeing Elisabeth Schumann in a new light. I'm smiling too at these anecdotes about Melchior and Barbirolli.

[saagua1953]

You can hear this in his singing of Im Fehrnem Land on You Tube (movie performance) where he is out of sync at times, but recovers expertly. Here all the voices are marvelously clear as they should be.

[ebenasire]

I only recently heard this quintet at a Tanglewood performance, and was very affected. Little did I know I would find this gem (and you) on Youtube. Thank you so much..

Eben Knowlton