Pfitzner: Palestrina (Orfeo)
In the opera house, Palestrina is frankly a bit of a trial: long, static, cerebral, Teutonic. Don't hold your breath, let's just say, waiting for the fat lady to sing. But on disc the piece has its own, somewhat unlikely, delights as it unfolds its tale of the ageing composer who is visited in the night by the spirits of music past, accompanied by choirs of inspirational angels and the ghost of his dead wife - and produces the manuscript of Missae Papae Marcelli before you can say "End of Act One". On this live 1963 recording from the Bayerische Staatsoper there is plenty to enjoy: stylish performances, lush accompaniments and Richard Holm - a fine tenor of the sensitive, old-fashioned kind - in the title role.
Arminta Wallace