Kurt Eichhorn, Münchner Rundfunkorchester - Engelbert Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel (1999)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 564 Mb | Total time: 59:35+42:21 | Scans included
Classical | Label: BMG Classics | # 74321-25281-2 | Recorded: 1971
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 564 Mb | Total time: 59:35+42:21 | Scans included
Classical | Label: BMG Classics | # 74321-25281-2 | Recorded: 1971
The casting of the radiant Helen Donath as Gretel, the theatrical Christa Ludwig as the witch, the vibrant Anna Moffo as Hansel, and the noble but lovable Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau as the father would have been sufficient to secure this recording's fame as the best version of "Hansel and Gretel" ever committed to disc. However, to cast Lucia Popp as the Dew Fairy and Arleen Auger as the Sandman was a master stroke. And, the excellent Charlotte Berthold is an added bonus as the mother. Leading this array of vocal riches, Kurt Eichhorn produces a reading that accentuates the detail and color of the score more than any other, drawing out the richness of the orchestration with astonishing success.