Korngold Die tote Stadt/Leinsdorf reissued

[Alan Howe]

...by Dutton:
https://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=2CDLX7376

This 45 year-old recording has never been equalled, let alone surpassed. I've no idea whether it sounds better than this cheap RCA re-issue...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Korngold-Tote-Stadt-Erich-Leinsdorf/dp/B001UJSW7S/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=korngold+die+tote+stadt&qid=1593949899&sr=8-1
...but either way, this is the recording to get. It can be heard in its entirety here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WzruWzUokI

Carol Neblett made two unsurpassed opera recordings - this, and La Fanciulla del West. René Kollo is here on decent form before his voice became thin and wobbly as a result of singing heavier repertoire (e.g. Siegfried) which was beyond him. No, he's not perfect: no doubt Kaufmann will do a better job if and when his performance is released.

[Kevin]

Oh, I agree about this recording. I purchased an Oehms release with Sebastian Weigle conducting(a reliable conductor) and I forget the singers but the whole enterprise from top to bottom was unsatisfactory. Needless to say it was a major disappointment. A recording like that makes one have doubts about said opera, but I put the Leindorf on and all was well again - what a lovely opera this is! I'm glad it's finally getting its due.

And again I agree with you about La Fanciulla del West(he thought it his best, and I agree with him) and Carol Neblett.

[brendangcarroll]

I am delighted this sensational recording is being reissued again. I was lucky enough to attend the sessions in Munich back in 1975 and it was an amazing experience.

What I am curious about is how this will compare with the RCA CD reissue from about 2003 (?) which was also digitally remastered from the original tapes by its genius producer Charles Gerhardt. I have this CD set and it's exceptional, plus it has a libretto which I do not think the Dutton edition has.

I await the reviews with interest!

[Alan Howe]

I won't be getting the Dutton reissue, but it's an opportunity to flag up this great recording.

[semloh]

I discarded my tattered set of the Leinsdorf  LPs long ago, and subsequently bought the Naxos Segerstam version. I then wished I'd kept the LPs! The Leinsdorf version is magnificent.

[Mark Thomas]

I treasure my CD set of Leinsdorf's Die Tote Stadt. One of the most persuasive opera recordings ever.

[Gareth Vaughan]

Hear, hear. A marvellous opera in a marvellous performance.