Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau Wilhelm Furtwangler was considered by many to be one of the greatest Wagner conductors of all time. His readings were famous for their dark, brooding nature, emphasizing the spiritual qualities of the works. And while I feel that the Ring is a dramatic work and should be played as such, his approach seems tailor-made for Tristan. This is one of the most moving and powerful recordings ever made.
Every phrase has a sensuous quality to it.
The whole works seems completely unified and, despite its length, too short. The Philharmonia responds beautifully to Furtwangler, although he had a better orchestra in the Vienna Philharmonic for Die Walkure two years later. For his Isolde Furtwangler had the greatest Wagner soprano of this century, Kirsten Flagstad. Even though she was 57 at the time, her golden voice is still in remarkable shape. Every phrase, every utterance has deep power and feeling to it.