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Berg - Wozzeck (Sung in English)

While I was initially enthusiastic about this recording, over time my enthusiasm has waned. Unlike one of the other reviewers, I don't find Daniel's conducting "inspired." To the contrary, I find it rather dull, especially when considered next to classic recordings such as Böhm's. As is not atypical of so many recordings in recent years, the articulations are too smooth, the attacks too soft. Consequently, Daniel's reading seems to me to lack energy.

That said, I don't want to drive listeners away from this recording, especially English-speaking ones who are as yet unfamiliar with the opera. Understanding the text will help carry one through this performance, and I can imagine many such listeners finding it rewarding. Yet if you're already familiar with the opera from a German-language recording, this is hardly a must-have (unless you are a Wozzeck completist). And if you're not familiar with the opera, once you are, you'd do well to seek out one of the classic readings by the likes Böhm or Boulez.

dank aan originele poster!