Greatest Wotan of all times. London wields an unbelievably glorious voice that cuts through a huge 100 person Wagnerian orchestra like he's wielding the fabled sword Notung. This man was gifted with not only such a wonderful voice, but also such perfect phrasing always with the music and with such intonation that he Blends in perfectly with the orchestra. There just is no better. Such a magnificent bass and such a tragedy that his singing was lost to us by basically a surgery out of the Dark Ages. I've spent my whole life in music and I cannot say enough about how wonderfully he sang Wotan. I thank God we have these recordings and thank you for posting them.
Glad to have know this man as the Intendant of the Washington Opera Society, who engaged me in his inagural season (L'Italiana in Algieri)) in 1976 as "Haly". Mr. London liked me so much, that he gave me voice instructions and "tips" about performing at least 3 times a week, during my 6 weeks stay in Washington D.C. He also recommended me to Seattle, which finally became reality after his death. I did Fasolt there for 4 consec. seasons (79-82). I cherish and BLESS his memory! Ferenc Gáll
George London fue admirado por el tenor mexicano Francisco Araiza. Durante el transcurso de la vida conoció al gran bajo y se hicieron amigos. Mucho aprendió de él. Araiza me platicó la historia de su relación de amistad con London hasta su terrible enfermedad que lo llevó a la parálisis. Inmovilizado y enfermo era doloroso ver al grande artista que había dado vida a héroes y dioses. Fue el primer dios Wotan que escuche cantar en "La Valquiria" de Wagner en la grabación de Eric Leinsdorf. Deja un legado de maravillosas interpretaciones ejemplares que son ejemplo para todos los cantantes de su cuerda de bajo-barítono. Hay que escucharlo, gozarlo y aprenderlo.
Many thanks for this, Anckarstrom. I reckon that London was one of the truly greats, and is so often overlooked in our days. A great singer, and a dramatic actor. Jewish-American rather than African-American as some have said - but with a voice like that, who cares! I'm not sure whether he is better in this role than Hans Hotter or Donald MacIntyre, but he is certainly in the same league.
Wikipedia reads: "George London was born to a Russian Jewish family in Montréal, Québec, Canada and grew up in Los Angeles, California, United States." He had dark features but he was absolutely not an African-American, not that it matters. Somebody is mixed up with his information. He was a high bass-baritone/dramatic baritone. He also sung an excellent Boris in Russia. Knjas Igor too. He is singing almost lyrically with a soft legato after 5.00, which is rare in this part. Missed he is!!
i am in agreement with mariusfelix and MrCafiero. "mastered" recordings (esp. studio recordings) often do a huge disservice to reality, people's expectations when they go into the opera house, and ultimately the art itself.
I have always believed London's voice at its best was beautiful, as well as rich, powerful and wide-ranging regarding both compass and dynamic facility. Some of my fellow operaphiles agree with me about everything but London's sound, which they find unappealing at best, at worst ugly --
@Vandeputte100 Im sorry to disappoint but I have the greatest respect for Hotter...I think his Wotan is unparalled..T he point I was making was that there were two Wotans in the Solti recording ...and of course paralels will be drawn...but it's still far better than the Karajan ...lol
This version sounds so great like Thomas Stewart and Karajan. Erich Leinsdorf not run, all, and each note at the right time. Others directors rides the Vallküre in all movements. Are they in a hurry???
Spare us you childish ha ha ha! This is what Wikipedia says: "George London was born to a Russian Jewish family in Montréal, Québec, Canada and grew up in Los Angeles, California, United States." You are mixing him up with Paul Robeson, a much darker and lower voice, or William Warfield. Both of them African-Americans who had beautiful voices. There is a number of good dark baritones that are of African American origin. Does it matter???
T. Stewart does not have this god-like voice, nor does Hotter. This is the best of all Wotans. His vocal potency is phenomenal. Also he was a superb actor. The Willie Mays of bass-baritones, ha ha ha. Yes, he was an African-American. I hope that doesn't diminish in any one's eyes his amazing achievements. I doubt that it would given the general level of commentary here.
For me, the ultimate Walkure Wotan remains Hines. The size, power and magisterial timbre of Hines' great bass invokes the king of the gods more powerfully than almost anyone else. The definite "anyones" are London, Hotter and Morris. The also-rans include Tomlinson and Bailey. Among others, let's see: Estes during his prime had a beautiful voice, but not quite large enough for this role in a large house. Must pay more attention to Terfel's records and videos as Wotan. He has often struck me as the London of his generation -- a bass-baritone who combines power and tonal beauty in equal measure. But Terfel, alas, tends to grimace hideously when he sings, as his jaw twists to one side and his eyes all but explode from their sockets--
I don't know Hines, but in the list of greats for this role I would definitely include Donald McIntyre. Of course, all such lists are largely subjective. London, of course, had superb diction and a superb dramatic ability that make him hard to beat.
