This is an improved remastering by Ward Marston of a VAI set which received a warm welcome for preserving the rewarding partnership of Flagstad and Melchior, some would say unsurpassed in their respective roles and here on great form. The soprano, though at the start of her career in the part, is already a fully formed Isolde, and one marvels at Melchior, confirming his stature as the greatest Wagner tenor of all time. The rest of the cast are nothing special.
Reiner, after a slow start, provides the right breadth and vitality to the work even when the playing leaves a little to be desired. The thencustomary cuts are made in Acts 2 and 3. At superbargain price (the VAI was at full price) this is an essential purchase for Wagnerians.