Composer: Birgit Nilsson
Works: Adolphe Adam – O Holy Night; Ludwig van Beethoven – Fidelio – Abscheulicher!, Komm, Hoffnung; César Franck – Panis angelicus; Franz Gruber – Silent Night; Giuseppe Verdi – Nabucco – Ben io t’invenni; La forza del destino – Pace, pace, mio Dio!; Richard Wagner – Tristan und Isolde – Mild und Leise; Götterdämmerung – Starke Scheite (Immolations Scene); Tannhäuser – Dich, teure halle; Die Walküre – Der Männer Sippe, Du bist der Lenz; Carl Maria von Weber – Der Freischütz – Wie naht mir der Schlummer
Performers: Birgit Nilsson (soprano), Åke Levén (organ), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Edward Downes, Argeo Quadri, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra/Karl Böhm
Recording: Live performances from August 1962, May 1963, July 1966, August 1967
Label: DECCA
Birgit Nilsson, one of the titans of the operatic world, commands an indelible presence in this compilation of selections, each drawn from the loftiest echelons of the operatic canon. This collection not only showcases her extraordinary vocal prowess but also serves as a testament to her interpretative depth across a spectrum of composers, spanning from the lush Romanticism of Wagner to the more lyrical realms of Gruber and Franck. The juxtap of these pieces highlights Nilsson’s remarkable ability to traverse a wide emotional landscape, bringing to life the fervor and gravitas of the operatic repertoire that she so dutifully championed.
The technical execution across the recordings is nothing short of breathtaking. Nilsson’s performance of Beethoven’s “Abscheulicher!” from Fidelio is a masterclass in emotional intensity, where her voice ascends to fiery heights before plummeting into abyssal depths of despair. The clarity and power of her tone at the climax is equally matched by the orchestral forces under Edward Downes, whose direction brings a visceral quality to the Royal Opera House ensemble. This synergy is particularly evident during the tumultuous orchestral interjections, which serve to heighten the dramatic tension inherent in the aria.
In Wagner’s “Mild und Leise” from Tristan und Isolde, Nilsson displays an exquisite control of legato, allowing the long lines to breathe while maintaining an ethereal quality that transports the listener into the dreamlike world of the opera. The Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, under the baton of Karl Böhm, matches her in lyricism, with the lush strings creating a tapestry against which her voice shines brightly. Meanwhile, her rendition of “Pace, pace, mio Dio!” from Verdi’s La forza del destino is imbued with a profound sense of urgency, each phrase delivered with dramatic conviction that underscores the narrative’s desperation and longing.
Recording quality remains a crucial aspect of this compilation. The remastering by DECCA achieves a remarkable clarity, allowing the nuances of Nilsson’s voice to emerge without overshadowing the orchestral accompaniment. However, the omission of texts and translations may present a barrier for some listeners eager to engage deeply with the operatic narratives being conveyed. The enhanced features available through computer access are commendable, yet they lack the immediacy of a physical libretto in hand.
Nilsson’s exploration of lighter fare in “O Holy Night” and “Panis angelicus” may initially seem out of place following the weighty Wagnerian excerpts. However, these performances reveal another facet of her artistry—her ability to scale back and convey intimate emotion. While “Silent Night” remains a stylistic contrast, the serene beauty of Nilsson’s delivery showcases her versatility as a performer. Nevertheless, this disc is undoubtedly a tribute to her formidable presence in the heavier operatic roles.
This recording stands as a vibrant homage to Birgit Nilsson, encapsulating both her monumental contributions to the operatic world and the technical brilliance that defined her career. Each selection serves not only as a showcase of her exceptional talent but also as a reminder of the profound emotional resonance that great singing can achieve. For those seeking a definitive representation of Nilsson’s artistry, this collection is an essential acquisition, illuminating the heights of operatic performance through the lens of a true legend.
