Wolfgang Sawallisch's 1973 Die Zauberflöte is a fully satisfying version of the opera; it features superb soloists and exemplary playing and singing by the orchestra and chorus of the
Bavarian State Opera. All of the performers very clearly have this music in their blood and are absolutely convincing in putting it across.
Sawallisch has both the light touch to keep the comedy always afloat, and the gravity to make the serious moments fully persuasive. The entire cast, in fact, seems to have the same sure instincts so that the comedy is never leaden or overdone and the drama is never trivial. Vocally, almost all of the soloists turn in stellar performances.
Edda Moser's voice is not large, but she is entirely regal, nonetheless, and her crystalline tone, perfect intonation, and astonishing coloratura make her Queen of the Night truly memorable.
Peter Schreier has just the right boyish impetuosity for Tamino and his voice is clear and focused, and he has plenty of power when it's called for.
Walter Berry is unforgettable as Papageno -- endearingly scampish, but not ridiculous -- with a full, rounded, expressive voice.
Anneliese Rothenberger's Pamina is all wide-eyed innocence, and the purity, warmth, and clarity of her voice make her ideally suited for the role.
Kurt Moll has the security and power at the depths of his range to make a wonderfully profound Sarastro. Among the principals, only
Theo Adam's wobbly Speaker is disappointing. An additional attraction of this album is the inclusion of a lovely duet for Tamino and Papageno, which Schikaneder attributed to
Mozart, but whose authorship has not been verified with certainty; besides its rarity, it's musically appealing and fits well into the opera, so it's valuable to have a record of it. EMI's release, which was originally recorded in quadraphonic sound, has outstanding clarity, balance, and a realistic presence.