The production enshrined in this live recording was one of the epoch-making theatrical events of the twentieth century. It was also momentous on the musical side, bringing forward such names as Windgassen, van Mill and London alongside established stars such as Mödl, Uhde and Weber. In charge of these wonderful singers and the handpicked chorus and orchestra was Hans Knappertsbusch, who never did anything finer than this set, the first complete recording of Parsifal. With an almost ideal blend of warmth and clarity for its time, the recording still sounds amazingly good; and the interpretation, edited from the general rehearsal and two performances, has stood the test of time.