This live recording of Die Meistersinger is a wonderful souvenir of an exceptional evening of music-making. Bernard Haitink is at the peek of his powers and proves yet again that he is peerless in this repertoire.
When Graham Vick's production of Die Meistersinger was new in 1993 it was hailed by many critics as definitive. It was subsequently revived in 1997 with many of the original cast and Haitink presiding in the pit once more. Again the critics were unanimous in their praise so it seemed the obvious vehicle for celebrating Haitink's tenth anniversary as music director and the end of an era – the closing of the "old" Royal Opera House – when it returned for two performances in July of that year. The second of those performances was broadcast on Radio 3, which is thankfully now available on CD as part of the Royal Opera Heritage Series.
I was lucky enough to present at the first of those two performances and it remains firmly etched in the memory as one of the most incandescent performances of a Wagner opera it's ever been my privilege to attend. And the good news is that my mind hasn't played tricks – here is proof, in this exemplary recording, that it was indeed a red-letter day for the Royal Opera.
Hero of the hour is Bernard Haitink. His grasp of Wagner's musical architecture is so sure, so right and so intuitive that he is able to shape Wagner's huge score with masterful ease - and he is rewarded with sublime playing from the orchestra that is warm, full of colour and inspired from beginning to end. The performance blazes from first to last and I would have no hesitation in recommending this set solely for Haitink's matchless interpretation. That he is aided and abetted by a superb cast simply makes this version indispensable, especially as this recording commits to disc several notable interpretations that are not available elsewhere.
John Tomlinson is in heroic voice as Hans Sachs - only towards the end does he tire slightly but this, like all his roles, is unstintingly delivered. His great Act III monologue is benign, heartfelt and unbearably poignant. He is well matched by Thomas Allen's Beckmesser who, firm of voice, never descends into caricature. The late Gösta Windbergh sings Walther's lines with all the poise and intelligence of a lieder singer – his prize song is sung with a mellifluousness of tone that makes his interpretation one of the finest on disc.
There is admirable support from Catherine Wyn-Rogers' scrupulously sung Magdalene and Herbert Lippert's lyrical David. Nancy Gustafson may not be in their league, but still gives much pleasure as Eva. A supporting cast of mastersingers that reads like a who's who of the British opera scene from a decade ago completes the line-up.
An essential addition to anyone's CD collection.
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