Lohengrin
This celebrated 1964 recording ofLohengrinwith Rudolf Kempe and the Vienna State Opera Orchestra still stands the test of time: it's a terrifically exciting performance. Kempe is a superb draftsman, and he keeps the orchestra lively, exuberant, but never strident. Pride of place must be given to the soloists: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is a riveting Friedrich, Jess Thomas a dynamic Lohengrin, Elisabeth Grummer a most moving Elsa.--Joshua Cody