OP2021. DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER, Live Performance, 5 March, 1960, w.Schippers Cond. George London, Leonie Rysanek, Giorgio Tozzi, Karl Liebl, Belén Amparan & William Olvis. (E.U.) 2-Walhall 0304. Specially priced. - 4035122653045

CRITIC REVIEW: “London’s bass-baritone is a near-ideal Dutchman’s voice. Its potent voice of the zealous intensity, harnessed to the boldness of his delivery, transmits a fearsome single-mindedness. Like Hotter, London imbues his tone with anguish, but unlike Hotter, he intermingles menace with pain….the portrait has such size, such granitic force, that magnitude in itself implements characterization….The bass-baritone is in superlative voice, and his instrument grows in power, steadiness and, above all, tonal purity throughout the afternoon. Like burning coals burning red, now white with heat, the firm tones which he pours into the climax of the duet with Senta are indeed worthy of legend….As Senta pledges faithfulness unto death, the soprano’s triumph is complete. Is it danger that vibrates in those top tones and makes Rysanek so intriguing an artist, a heroine singing on the edge, abandon and exaltation captured in the cutting brilliance of her tone?”

– Paul Jackson, SIGN-OFF FOR THE OLD MET, pp.287-90