Herbert von Karajan conducts this sparkling 1960s recording of Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg for the Seraphim label. Wagner's only comic opera deserves to be heard more often—it's a masterpiece that combines his orchestral genius with genuine warmth and humor. The story of medieval poets competing for artistic glory allows Wagner to write music of tremendous charm alongside his characteristic dramatic power. Von Karajan leads the work with spring and vitality, never letting the five acts feel overlong. The orchestration is endlessly inventive, from gentle dances to rousing choral numbers. This Seraphim pressing offers excellent sound and remarkable value for a complete performance of this substantial work.