Beethoven Fidelio - best recording

[Barbirollians]

I was torn between the two Klemperer recordings - in the studio with Ludwig and live with Jurinac - both marvellous but have now listened to the Modl . Fuetwangler from 1953 - not the best of recordings to my ears even for those days but one hell of a performance - I can see why Furtwängler was such a fan of Modl .

Any other Fidelio favourites ?

[makropulos]

I was torn between the two Klemperer recordings - in the studio with Ludwig and live with Jurinac - both marvellous but have now listened to the Modl . Fuetwangler from 1953 - not the best of recordings to my ears even for those days but one hell of a performance - I can see why Furtwängler was such a fan of Modl .

Any other Fidelio favourites ?

A couple of more recent ones to go with your excellent older versions: first (and foremost): Mackerras/Benackova/Rolfe Johnson/Scottish Chamber Orch on Telarc, which I enjoy a lot whenever I listen to it –it also includes an absolutely thrilling Leonore No. 3. Second, another which has some very good moments is Mark Elder/Kampe/Kerl/LPO live from Glyndebourne (on Glyndebourne's own CD label).

Another older one which I really like is Fricsay/Rysanek/Haefliger/Frick/Bavarian State Opera on DG - it's pretty tremendous.

[Wolfram]

Another older one which I really like is Fricsay/Rysanek/Haefliger/Frick/Bavarian State Opera on DG - it's pretty tremendous.

It certainly is a terrific recording, full of dramatic bite and Rysanek is a superb Leonore. It uses actors for the dialogue which won't bother some but will others.

[Barbirollians]

It certainly is a terrific recording, full of dramatic bite and Rysanek is a superb Leonore. It uses actors for the dialogue which won't bother some but will others.

Furtwangler leaves the dialogue out. The Mackerras sounds very tempting.

[makropulos]

Furtwangler leaves the dialogue out. The Mackerras sounds very tempting.

I'd certainly let yourself be tempted if it appeals. Incidentally, the sound is very fine too. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be available new at the moment, but there are usually copies to be found from the usual sources. As Wolfram says, Fricsay is terrific too.