Praised as much for its visionary intensity as for its vivid sense of theatre, this Lohengrin, conducted by Rudolf Kempe and recorded in Vienna, unites an exceptional cast: Jess Thomas in the title role, both idealised hero and vulnerable man; the radiant Elisabeth Grümmer as Elsa and, as Ortrud and Telramund, Christa Ludwig and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, subtly bringing extra dimensions to the two villains of the piece.
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Composer: Richard Wagner
Lohengrin: Jess Thomas
Elsa: Elisabeth Grümmer
Telramund: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Ortrud: Christa Ludwig
König Heinrich: Gottlob Frick
Herald: Otto Wiener
Wiener Staatsopernchor
Chorus Master: Richard Rossmayer
Wiener Philharmoniker
Conductor: Rudolf Kempe
Running Time: 217:17 mins
Year: 1964
Remastered: 2000