❖ One of five box-sets exploring Hans Knappertsbusch’s high-risk strategy in which he relies upon the ‘magic of the moment’ to reveal previously undiscovered musical insights
❖ His interpretations of composers’ works lead to pleasing new discoveries, even within well-known scores
❖ Knappertsbusch disliked rehearsals intensely believing that they were an inhibiting influence. He firmly believed in the inspiration of the moment being central to every performance, taking on Wagner’s idea of spontaneity and tempo modification
❖ His courageous artistry is clearly demonstrated in each of the five sets in this collection

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphonies No.2, No.3 “Eroica”, No.5 & No.8, Coriolan Overture
Johannes Brahms: Symphonies No.2, No.3 & No.4 (1952 & 1953)
Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No.88
Anton Bruckner: Symphonies No.3 “Wagner” & No.7
Richard Strauss: Don Juan, Tod und Verklärung
von Weber: Euryanthe Overture
Richard Wagner: Siegfried Idyll (1953 & 1963)
Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Preludes to Act 3 & Act 1 (1947 & 1963)
Lohengrin Prelude to Act 1 & Act 3
Rienzi Overture

Christa Ludwig, mezzo soprano
Bremer Philharmonisches Staatsorchester
Hessisches Radio Symphonie Orchester Frankfurt
Kölner Rundfunk Sinfonie Orchester
London Philharmonic Orchestra
NDR Sinfonieorchester
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart
Tonhalle Orchestra Zürich
Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire
Recordings: 1947 – 1963