Mozart - Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute)

Solti's conducting hasn't changed that much since his earlier recording. That one may be marginally better than this version, but it comes on three CDs compared to this later recording which takes only two.

The best thing about this recording is Ruth Ziesak's lovely Pamina: pure, lovely tone, lighter than others (Janowitz, Te Kanawa) but convincingly girlish rather than matronly. One of the best. Kurt Moll is once again an excellent Sarastro, though maybe lacking the final degree of authority found in his earlier recordings. Kraus as Papageno sounds a bit fluttery at times, but he projects the character well.

Uwe Heilman's Tamino is not as bad as some have said, but he certainly is no Wunderlich (who is?). However, he sings with commitment and a sure sense of style. While I prefer a dramatic coloratura in the Queen's music (a la Studer, Deutekom, or best of all, Edda Moser), Sumi Jo has the pyrotechnical accomplishment to make her one of the finest Queens on rcord. The voice is round and bell-like, never shrill, and the high staccati notes glitter. However, she is even better on the Arnold Oestman recording.

The rest of the cast is fine, with special mention going to Heinz Zednik's oily, sycophantic Monostatos. Also worthy of note are the three boys, who sing gorgeously, better than any other recording which uses treble voices in the parts. A fine version of "Flute" for the first-time listener or to add alongside other recordings.