Oh, I had no idea there was a message-board attached to MWeb. Well, if this is the chance to say THANKS to Ralph Moore for his tireless surveys, I'll decidedly take it. As I dabble in surveys (more data, less comparison; the Beethoven sonata survey was adopted by MWeb, actually), I know how much work they can be.

And I rarely disagree with any particular ferocity. However, I was jettisoned on this page because I looked to see what Mr. Moore had to say about Tannhaeusers. (I heard the new Vienna production a few days ago, so I still felt in the mood.) And as I listen to the recording for the first time in many years (I loved it then), I cannot believe my eyes to see "Victor Braun's affecting Wolfram, Helga Dernesch's sensitive, womanly Elisabeth" written in there. I was hoping for a take-down of one of the worst Wolframs I have heard on disc... how I could not remember him wobbling all over the place like that is quite beyond me. And Dernesch is not far behind.

But there's joy in diversity of opinions. How boring it would be, otherwise. Thanks once more & best regards,

Jens F. Laurson (@ClassicalCritic)