Classical Companion

Essential Recordings

Bayreuth FO/Knappertsbusch (1964)
Orfeo C690074 (4CDs)
A great Parsifal conductor in his last-ever appearance, a late hurrah for Hotter's Gurnemanz and Jon Vickers on top form.

BPO/Barenboim
Teldec/Warner 2564666834 (34CDs)
The best audio-only modern cast led by Jose Van Dam's painfully eloquent Amfortas and Barenboim's supple baton.

VPO/Thielemann
DG 4776006 (4CDs)
Live-sounding and almost verismo at times thanks to Thielemann's feeling for pace and pulse, and Domingo's Italianate Parsifal.

Leipzig RSO/Kegel
Berlin Classics 0300528BC (5LPs)
Pure-analogue mastering boosts the appeal of this radically swift, one-off live account for high-end LP collectors (also on CD).

ROH/Pappano
Opus Arte OA1158D/OABD7159D (DVD/Blu-ray)
Alison Chitty's lighting conjures magical illusions from Stephen Langridge's sinister staging, beautifully sung all round.

Bayreuth FO/Haenchen
DG 0735350 (DVD), 0735353 (Blu-ray)
Another Parsifal conductor well matched with a staging updated to the sharp end of the drama's original 'Moorish' setting.