Wagner Recital - Wesendonck Lieder - Elsa’s Dream (“Lohengrin”) • Ich Sah’s Das Kind (“Parsifal”) • Der Männer Sippe And Du Bist Der Lenz (“Die Walküre”)

Released by Decca in 1957, this recording captures the legendary Norwegian soprano Kirsten Flagstad in the final phase of her career. The album serves as a definitive document of her interpretive mastery of Wagnerian repertoire, recorded in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Hans Knappertsbusch. These sessions were noted for their sonic fidelity and the conductor's deliberate, expansive approach to Wagner's orchestration, which provided a spacious backdrop for Flagstad's rich, mature vocal control.

The disc compiles several of Wagner's most demanding vocal scenes, ranging from the delicate lyricism of Elsa's Dream to the dramatic intensity of Die Walküre. The selection was designed to highlight the breadth of Flagstad's late-career artistry rather than just her power. Upon its release, the record was highly regarded by critics for its balance of traditional Wagnerian weight and a nuanced, reflective quality that contrasted with the more aggressive performances of the era, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of mid-century operatic recordings.