Parsifal (CD): Herbert von Karajan, van Dam, von Halem, Moll, Hofmann, Nimsgern, Vejzovic, Schwarz
Conductor:
Herbert von Karajan
Amfortas José van Dam
Titurel Victor von Halem
Gurnemanz Kurt Moll
Parsifal Peter Hofmann
Klingsor Siegmund Nimsgern
Kundry Dunja Vejzovic
Altsolo Hanna Schwarz
Gralsritter Claes Håkan Ahnsjö
Gralsritter Kurt Rydl
Knappe Marjon Lambriks
Knappe Anne Gjevang
Knappe Heiner Hopfner
Knappe Georg Tichy
Blume Barbara Hendricks
Blume Jannet Perry
Blume Doris Soffel
Blume Inga Nielsen
Blume Audrey Michael
Blume Rohangiz Yachmi
Berliner Philharmoniker
Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin
Recorded December 1979, January/April/July 1980
Reviews
"Karajan’s Parsifal seems to grow in stature
as an interpretation on each rehearing; on its CD transfer it appears to
have acquired a new depth, in terms of sound, because of the greater range
of the recording and the greater presence of both singers and orchestra.
[…]
Karajan’s
reading, a trifle stodgy in Act 1, grows in intensity and feeling with
the work itself, reaching an almost terrifying force in the Prelude to
Act 3 which is sustained to the end of the opera. Moll’s
Gurnemanz is a deeply expressive, softly moulded performance of notable beauty. Vejzovic,
carefully nurtured by Karajan, gives the performance of her life as Kundry.
Hofmann’s tone isn’t at all times as steady as a Parsifal’s
should be, but he depicts the character’s anguish and eventual serenity
in his sincere, inward interpretation. Van Dam is a trifle too placid as
Amfortas, but his singing exhibits admirable power and fine stadiness.
Nimsgern is the epitome of malice as Klingsor."
The Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2008 
Gramophone gives the recording the gem symbol: "An unrivalled version,
a cornerstone of the catalogue. A real gem!"
Parsifal on DVD - Parsifal on CD
Herbert von Karajan's superb recording of Parsifal on Amazon
Herbert von Karajan never conducted Parsifal at the Bayreuth Festival.
See
here for Parsifal
conductors in Bayreuth