Parsifal Bayreuth 1961?

[wkasimer]

Just curious - I see that there's a 1961 performance available on Myto, with virtually the same cast as the commercially issued 1962 (among the principals, only the Titurel is different).

I have the 1962, of course - is there any good reason, other than sheer compulsion, to hear the 1961 performance? Hotter in better voice, perhaps?

[m***@gmail.com]

Post by wkasimer
Just curious - I see that there's a 1961 performance available on Myto, with virtually the same cast as the commercially issued 1962 (among the principals, only the Titurel is different).
I have the 1962, of course - is there any good reason, other than sheer compulsion, to hear the 1961 performance? Hotter in better voice, perhaps?

Isn't the Amfortas different??? Thomas 61 London 62

[wkasimer]

Post by m***@gmail.com

Post by wkasimer
Just curious - I see that there's a 1961 performance available on Myto, with virtually the same cast as the commercially issued 1962 (among the principals, only the Titurel is different).
I have the 1962, of course - is there any good reason, other than sheer compulsion, to hear the 1961 performance? Hotter in better voice, perhaps?

Isn't the Amfortas different??? Thomas 61 London 62

No, London is Amfortas both times, and Jess Thomas Parsifal.

[wkasimer]

Post by wkasimer
Just curious - I see that there's a 1961 performance available on Myto, with virtually the same cast as the commercially issued 1962 (among the principals, only the Titurel is different).
I have the 1962, of course - is there any good reason, other than sheer compulsion, to hear the 1961 performance? Hotter in better voice, perhaps?

To answer my own question (it was cheap enough on eBay that I took a chance on it), probably not. The performance is very similar to 1962, and although the sonics are fine, the 1962 sounds a lot better. The sole advantage of the 1961 is that Acts 2 and 3 each are contained on one CD, rather than split (and split unnecessarily) as on the Philips issue of the 1962 performance.