This week’s new release takes us to Tanglewood in August 1949 for Britten’s Albert Herring, recorded during the opera’s U.S. premiere production. Boris Goldovsky conducts the Berkshire Music Center Opera Department, with David Lloyd, later remembered as the first American Albert, in the title role.
This is a fascinating document of a new opera still finding its American voice: lively, theatrical, quick on its feet, and full of the energy of young singers making the case for Britten’s sharp little comedy of village respectability, spiked lemonade and quiet rebellion. The early tape source has needed careful reel-by-reel pitch correction, but once stabilised the performance comes through with remarkable freshness.
Our special offer this week marks Kirsten Flagstad’s 131st birthday. All Pristine recordings featuring the great Norwegian soprano are reduced by 10% until next Thursday, with the discount applied automatically at checkout.
