Parsifal

James Levine’s conducting of Wagner’s last opera was once described as “a model of concentrated rapture.” The Met’s orchestra and chorus—to say nothing of the all-star cast—are certainly spellbinding in this performance, in Otto Schenk’s atmospheric production (with sets by Günther Schneider-Siemssen). Siegfried Jerusalem is Parsifal, the wise fool who recaptures the Holy Spear and restores the land of the Holy Grail. The bewitching, Waltraud Meier is Kundry, his biggest temptation. Kurt Moll’s Gurnemanz is both compassionate and wise.