Reference Heiling thanks Hermann Prey!

Heinrich August Marschner (1795-1861) was a German composer of the Romantic, who was standing between Carl Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner. His operas are unfortunately overly present neither on CD nor on the present stage. Only two of his 13 operas are still fairly well known and available on CD: "Der Vampyr" and "Hans Heiling". From both there are very few recordings.

This here live recording from 1966 was headed by the famous Keilberth in Cologne with the Cologne symphony orchestra.

Keilberth and the orchestra deliver excellent work from, but the real star of this recording is undoubtedly Hermann Prey in the title role of Hans Heiling! Simply superior performance! Preys powerful and expressive voice captures a from the first moment, making this opera, the music is slightly less interesting in my opinion, as "Der Vampyr" an experience.

The other soloists (Leonore Kirschstein as Anna, Hetty Plümacher as Gertrude, Liane Synek as queen, Karl-Josef herring as Konrad, Hans Franzen as Stephan) convince, but to Prey you can not get.

The sound quality is very decent for a live recording from 1966. (I am but wondered whether the performance was really live, for I hear absolutely no coughing and no clapping at the end of the act ...) The choirs come somewhat dull to bear.

The dialogues sound natural and unforced, and the melodrama parts.

Unfortunately, there is no libretto, but a short, but quite informative text and a short summary - both in English.

A very good recording with a magnificent Hermann Prey, which may well currently enjoy reference status among the few recordings of this work. Definitely consider the 90 studio shot under Ewald grains in every respect!