The Metropolitan Opera Presents (TV Series) Parsifal (1993) User Reviews

New York Metropolitan Opera version of Wagner's Parsifal

[timelord-7 · 8/10 · 18 July 2004]

This version of Parsifal remains true to Wagner's staging. Wagner combines several different characters from the Wolfram von Eschenbach epic into the Kundry and Gurnemanz roles, thereby simplifying the production while complexifying the chararacterizations. He masterfully integrates philosophical elements from Schopenhauer, Buddhism, and esoteric Christianity into this, his parable of initiation, illumination, and redemption.

The technical aspects of the recording lack in some areas, such as errors in translation from the German in the English subtitles, and poor audio during hymns sung by the Grail Knights.

Waltraud Meier brings such emotion and beauty to the production that seeing her performance alone would make viewing this worthwhile. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the Grail.

Two super-genius vocalists/singing-actors in the cast

[ColonelPuntridge · 8/10 · 16 January 2018]

The two super-geniuses in the cast are Kurt Moll (RIP) as the benevolent, avuncular knight Gurnemanz, and Franz Mazura as the sulfurous howling-and-spitting villain Klingsor.

Perhaps the best Parsifal

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 11 October 2011]

Parsifal is not my absolute favourite of Wagner's operas but it is still a wonderful one, thematically and symbolically interesting and the music contains some of Wagner's most beautiful moments. I have seen three Parsifals thus far and I consider this one the best.

The sets are very impressive if naturalistic, not that I have a problem with that. The costumes are well tailored and fitting with the drama and the lighting is very good. The camera angles are often spectacular, the sound is superb and the picture quality is both clear and detailed.

Musically this Parsifal is pretty much faultless, perhaps the beginning of act 3 is a tad too slow and the offstage chorus at the end of act 1 off the beat and pitchy. However, the chorus are much better in act 3, and the whole of act 2 is simply magnificent musically. The orchestra are powerful throughout, and I thought the conducting had a very creative approach to it.

The performances are equally impressive. Waltraud Meier is outstanding and quite sensual as Kundry, she could have been more wild sometimes, but these are outweighed by the many outstanding moments she has here. Bernd Weikl is a great Amfortas, vocally he is excellent, and his acting is compellingly real particularly when he is in pain with the watering mouth and sweating face.

Siegfried Jerusalem conveys the child-like image of Parsifal very well and he is secure vocally too. Franz Mazura is consistently marvellous and shows moments of genuine menace as Klingsor. My favourite though is Kurt Moll's Gurnemanz, I adore his firm voice which is also very beautiful at the same time,and his acting is wise and benevolent. One of my personal favourites in this role, that's for sure.

All in all, thus far this Parsifal's my favourite. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Not ready for his closeup

[flash-104 · 6/10 · 12 June 2020]

I agree with much of the praise here (except about the plot, of course). But while Siegfried Jerusalem as Parsifal might have worked for a live performance, in closeup we only see (except for the very end) exactly the same befuddled but content Wise Fool expression, whether he is commiserating with agony, or (presumably) catching his breath after violent sword fights with a large number of guards, though with insufficient practice.

Parsifal Live

[martini-29 · 19 May 2006]

I attended the Met's performance of Parsifal last night. It's the same production that's featured in the video with a fresh interpretation by conductor Peter Schneider that was impressive. Ben Heppner as Parsifal is as good as it gets. Waltrud Meier as Kundry was radiant, even after these many years. Her vocal quality, range and sensuality in the challenging second act were breathtaking. Rene Pape as Gurnemanz stole the show (as he always does) and Thomas Hampson as Amfortas played the wounded King with extraordinary emotional color. I agree with the previous poster that Jerusalem was sleepwalking and mugging throughout his video performance. Heppner, on the other hand combines a magnificent voice with a very believable stage presence, to the extend that I could perceive it from Row H of the Family Circle.

Schneider took the podium without the customary "Perp Walk" and applause. The house went completely black for a moment and out of the darkness came those glorious fist notes of the prelude. The tempo was so slow that a little voice in my head said "Holy sh*t, we're gonna be here until next week." However, Schneider won me over within moments. The packed house (3,800 including standing room) was sitting at the edge of their seats in anticipation for the entire 5 plus hours.

At the end of the marathon performance the audience didn't want to leave. The curtain calls continued past midnight.

Unfortunately, this was the last Met performance of Parsifal for awhile. It's not on next year's schedule. If you live within range of an opera company that can do it justice do yourself a favor and experience this incredible achievement live.