Re: Massenet - Werther

"William Quentin (bloom)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message > 
> I don't have an aversion to historical recordings, but for whatever
> reason I tend to stay away from recordings of operas before 1940. 

These are in fact the best recordings. 
I wonder if anyone can find an opera which has a post 1940s recording
that is superior to
its best pre 1940s recording.
If you need another vote for Elie Cohen, Thill and Vallin, you have my
vote here.


 I
> can handle recital discs and recordings of shorter pieces, but the
> idea of listening to complete operas in antique sound is a bit
> daunting to me.  So, I guess my question is, how is the sound on the
> Naxos transfer?  Also, do you have an opinion on the Colin Davis
> recording with Frederica Von Stade and Jose Carreras?
> 



> The Plasson recording you mention also sounds very interesting.  Do
> you happen to know when it was made?
> 
> > Also, does anyone have any thoughts on the opera
> >> itself?
> >
> >It's all you can expect from a 19th century opera. Exciting, beautiful
> >melodies and many emotional outbursts which are never cheap or vulgar.
> >Massenet's best opera IMO.
> >
> >
> 
> 19th century opera being one of my very favorite things, it sounds
> like I absolutely must hear it!
> 
> >I'm unfamiliar with Massenet, and so don't really know what
> >> to expect.  Finally, is the opera's libretto faithful to Goethe?
> >
> >
> >Well, Goethe probably would be surprised to see Werther dying in Charlotte's
> >arms ....
> >
> >Benjo Maso
> >
> 
> Hmm, maybe I don't need to hear it after all.  That almost sounds as
> bad as Gounoud completely ignoring Part Two of Faust, and turning Part
> One into the Tragedy of Gretchen.  ;-)
> 
> Seriously, I still plan to buy a recording of Werther, but I have to
> admit my zeal has been a bit tempered.  :-)
> 
> -Billy