MOZART – LA FLUTE ENCHANTÉE N° 23 (2CD)

This was the first recorded version (1955) that included the dialogues (although cut out and with actors reading their lines, except perhaps Fischer-Dieskau). Fricsay’s reading is somewhat literally and ponderosamente Germanic. The roles of the women seem reversed: a Pamina (Stader) with a matronly voice and a youthful and bubbly Queen of the Night (Streich) (perhaps the most effective interpretation of the discography). The Swiss Häfliger sings a gentle Tamino, not particularly inspired, while Fischer-Dieskau is a warm, funny and very subtle Papageno in his diction. Greindl isn’t very firm in voice in Sarastro, while Kim Borg’s ‘Speaker’ is impressive in a strong and firm voice. Good Three Ladies and an excellent Monostats.