"The elder Kleiber leads a performance that strikes the ideal medium between Classicism and folk heritage…. He leans toward quick tempos, particularly in the 'evil' scenes—indeed, there are moments when it seems as if Max Proebstl's Kaspar is going to have trouble singing so quickly and with such accuracy and venom, but he does. Agathe's two arias are ravishing in their inwardness, and Elisabeth Grummer, magnificent for Furtwängler, is even better here, creating a dreamy, sympathetic character. Rita Streich, robbed of Aanchen's second aria (she is said to have been ill) is perky and tuneful without cloying. Hans Hopf … is here at his best…. The 'Wolf's Glen' scene is spectacular—clean, clear, and spooky…. The recording is amazing for its vintage and the Cologne forces play with great style…. if you see this and you're without a recording of Freischütz, grab it."—Classics Today