Between 1927 and 1930, the Columbia label embarked on an ambitious Wagner series, recorded under studio conditions in the Bayreuther Festspielhaus. The 1928 Tristan is more lopsided than abridged, focusing on the first two acts, yet leaving out important sections of Act Three. What remains sounds impressively atmospheric for its vintage. Both protagonists are secure and conscientious in their singing, yet lack the ringing authority and dramatic urgency for which Leider, Flagstad, and Melchior were renowned. Anny Helm’s Brangäne, though, is lovely, while Ivar Andrésen’s glorious basso ranks with Alexander Kipnis among the 20th century’s greatest King Marks on record. Karl Elmendorff supports his singers with a spacious, well-rehearsed, and excellently balanced orchestral framework. Grammofono’s transfer is similar to the clean but constricted sonics of a bygone Electrola LP reissue. The original 78s convey a wider dynamic presence than what is heard here. Cuts in the score are indicated, and a synopsis is included, but there is no biographical information on the performers, and no texts.
