{"title":"All Götterdämmerung","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-greindl-stewart-meyer-neidlinger-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Greindl, Stewart, Meyer, Neidlinger; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday it is hard to imagine a time in which you could go see a performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e which not only featured legendary singers in the main roles but also assembled a supporting cast which did not contain one weak link. Birgit Nilsson is an unstoppable force of nature as Brünnhilde whose vocal power is only matched by the beauty of her voice (a rare pairing in Wagner.) Although Wolfgang Windgassen, by his own admission, was never a true heldentenor, his solid technique and intelligence carry him a long way, and if at times we miss the ringing tones of someone like Lauritz Melchior, he more than makes up for it with the youthful quality he brings to the role. Josef Greindl's black bass delivers a formidable, yet almost reptilian, Hagen. Thomas Stewart's Gunther is a true luxury. So often this part is overlooked by great baritones, perhaps given the unsympathetic nature of the character, but in the hands of a great singer one sees that there are many opportunities to shine and Stewart does just that. Likewise for the Gutrune of Ludmila Dvorakova, a fine Brünnhilde herself, whose attractive slavic sound makes the character come across as a legitimate threat to Brünnhilde and Siegfried's union irrespective of any love potions. In an interesting variation from the Phillips set, we are treated to Kerstin Meyer's Waltraute in place of Martha Mödl. Although you will never hear me say a bad thing about Mödl's artistry, it is no secret that by 1967 the voice was pretty much in tatters. And although Meyer doesn't achieve the magnetic quality that Mödl brought to every character she did, her vocal achievements are very much welcome. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10909-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666773640,"sku":"10909-4","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099220612,"sku":"MP3 10909-4","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10909-4front.jpg?v=1751037329"},{"product_id":"gotterdammerung-wagner-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Randová; Stein.  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The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10932-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmuseed-player data-playlist=\"10932-4\" width=\"640\" height=\"compact-height\"\u003e \u003c\/museed-player\u003e \u003cscript type=\"module\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/player.museed.co\/player.js\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\" async\u003e \u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666347656,"sku":"10932-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098695428,"sku":"MP3 10932-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10932-4front.jpg?v=1751037324"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-lindholm-brilioth-rudngren-asker-ericson-saeden-kempe-stockholm-1975","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Lindholm, Brilioth, Rundgren, Asker, Ericson, Saedén; Kempe.  Stockholm, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe perennial absence of tenors out there who can muster up the stamina and vocal heft to sing the formidable title role of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e has meant that many allowances have had to be made over the years. Usually the first sacrifice is any kind of vocal beauty. That is why this performance, featuring Helge Brilioth, is such a revelation. Brilioth paces his way through the role quite wisely saving his voice for the most dramatic singing. However, it is in the lyrical passages that he really shines, singing with delicacy and nuance that are rarely the hallmarks of this role. Ragnar Ulfung’s feisty Mime deserves billing next to Brilioth. Ulfung throws himself into the role and brings a menace to the part that suggests Mime could be more of a threat to Siegfried than previously thought. Jerker Arvidson brings a youthful yet slightly wooden quality to the Wanderer. Berit Lindholm’s brief yet athletic turn as Brünnhilde is glorious. The sound is very good but it is worth nothing that the beginning portion of Act III, scene ii before Brünnhilde’s awakening is unfortunately missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10972-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665659528,"sku":"10972-4","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217924,"sku":"MP3 10972-4","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10972-4front.jpg?v=1751037295"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-frick-stewart-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick, Stewart, Collier, Kraus, Jones, Hunter; Solti.  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While it may cede some ground in terms of musical precision, the trade-off is a palpable sense of theatrical urgency—driven both by adrenaline and an audience keenly attuned to the event’s singular intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e brings imperious authority to Brünnhilde, her vocal control and dramatic insight forming the dramatic core of the evening. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e captures Siegfried’s youthful bravado with vigor, while \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes a Hagen of uncommon poise and tonal refinement, among the most distinguished on record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe supporting cast reads like a catalogue of emergent talent: \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a notably empathetic Gutrune, and \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e is persuasive in both vocal and physical stature as Gunther. \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e lends gravity to Fricka, while future luminaries \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e appear in smaller roles as Wellgunde and the Third Norn, respectively, offering early glimpses of their future promise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGunther – \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOtakar Kraus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Veasey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eBarbara Holt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eMaureen Guy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMonica Sinclair\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarete Elkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3 Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 14, 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10286-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLabel: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNumber of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292656976008,"sku":"10286-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099219716,"sku":"MP3 10286-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50972773253441,"sku":"FLAC 10286-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10286-4front.jpg?v=1762672411"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-flagstad-svanholm-weber-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung (excerpts) - Flagstad, Svanholm, Weber, Kindermann; E. 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Missing from this set is the Gutrune of \u003cb\u003eRose Bampton\u003c\/b\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e manages to have one line included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10382-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292649570440,"sku":"10382-1","price":5.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099214916,"sku":"MP3 10382-1","price":3.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50364711698753,"sku":"FLAC 10382-1","price":4.17,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10382-1front.jpg?v=1751036987"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-svanholm-list-bampton-kleiber","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Svanholm, List, Janssen, Bampton; E. Kleiber.  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Having worked with the likes of \u003cstrong\u003eMelchior, Traubel, and Flagstad\u003c\/strong\u003e, she certainly had exceptional role models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSet Svanholm\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a lyrical approach to Siegfried, at times singing with a Mozartian elegance, and even delivering a surprisingly solid high C in Act III. \u003cstrong\u003eEmanuel List\u003c\/strong\u003e has to make some adjustments in the upper register to get through Hagen’s role, but his voice remains suitably dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said, the real star of the evening is \u003cstrong\u003eErich Kleiber\u003c\/strong\u003e. His tempos are brisk without feeling rushed, and he draws moments of unexpected grace and playfulness from the orchestra. The sound quality is what one would expect from a 1940s radio broadcast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e Previous versions in circulation were slightly sharp. We have corrected this issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10556-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643377288,"sku":"10556-4","price":20.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222852,"sku":"MP3 10556-4","price":11.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10556-4front.jpg?v=1751036820"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-hunter-remedios-bailey-grant-goodall","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung (In English) - Hunter, Remedios, Grant, Bailey, Hammond-Stroud; Goodall.  ENO, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e is perhaps the most symphonic of all the operas in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e cycle. It features the most extensive orchestral sections, and with this opera, Wagner elevates the orchestra's role as a \"Greek chorus\" to unprecedented heights. \u003cstrong\u003eReginald Goodall's\u003c\/strong\u003e deliberate tempi underscore the orchestral mastery of the score, allowing the listener to luxuriate in the contours of a melismatic passage or the grandeur of the brass section. However, this pacing sometimes comes at the expense of dramatic intensity, particularly in the second act. Fortunately, Goodall had at his disposal singers with both the technique to sustain long phrases and the musical commitment to fully engage with the line of the music, no matter how long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, the standout of this performance is \u003cstrong\u003eAlberto Remedios\u003c\/strong\u003e as Siegfried. His voice strikes the perfect balance between lyricism and heft, and he sings with remarkable intelligence, resisting the temptation to force his voice over the orchestra. \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e is simply a force of nature as Brünnhilde. Her performance unmistakably reveals the connection between Wagner and Bellini, as she masterfully spins Wagner’s expansive vocal lines, made even longer by Goodall’s pacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Hagen, \u003cstrong\u003eClifford Grant\u003c\/strong\u003e replaces \u003cstrong\u003eAuge Haugland\u003c\/strong\u003e. While his voice may lack the striking quality of Haugland’s, he compensates with impeccable diction and a well-rounded characterization, avoiding the clichéd portrayals often associated with the role. 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His unique approach to this climactic moment is nothing short of extraordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eOD 10564-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292643082376,"sku":"10564-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099215812,"sku":"MP3 10564-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10564-4front.jpg?v=1751036810"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-kuchta-windgassen-greindl-stewart-dernesch-maazel","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Kuchta, Windgassen, Greindl, Stewart, Dernesch; Maazel.  Bayreuth, 1968","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKuchta’s voice is warm and luscious. While it may lack the full sledgehammer force that \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e brought to Act II, she still makes it abundantly clear that Brünnhilde is no woman to be trifled with. \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers a masterful performance as Hagen, oozing slimy charisma. Nilsson once remarked that Greindl’s Hagen gave the impression of being only half-human—a sentiment I wholeheartedly echo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gibichungs are also superbly cast, with \u003cstrong\u003eThomas Stewart\u003c\/strong\u003e as Gunther and \u003cstrong\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/strong\u003e as Gutrune. Special mention must also go to \u003cstrong\u003eLiane Synek\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose performance as the third Norn is outstanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound quality is very good, capturing the power and nuance of this extraordinary performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10701-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292637184136,"sku":"10701-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217476,"sku":"MP3 10701-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10701-4front.jpeg?v=1751036624"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-hopf-frick-keleman-hoffman-klobucar","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Hopf, Frick, Keleman, Cordes, Hoffman; Klobucar.  Bayreuth, 1964","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past few months I have been making a point to amass as many Bayreuth performances as are available. The remarkable thing that I have come to learn in doing so, is that even though they perform the same operas over and over and often with the same cast, each performance is different. (Irene Dalis told me that over the three consecutive summers that she went there to sing Kundry, Wieland Wagner would show up with a different conception each time.) This performance assembles the great Astrid Varnay with Hans Hopf and Gottlob Frick. The \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde always brought out the best in Varnay and she shines from love duet to Immolation scene. Hans Hopf's voice comes across as a little wooden but he manages the daunting challenges of this role with seeming ease. Gottlob Frick's black bass voice creates an evil yet oddly aristocratic Hagen. The rest of the cast is very good particularly the third Norn of Anita Välkki. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11037-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292636070024,"sku":"11037-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222788,"sku":"MP3 11037-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11037-4front.jpg?v=1751036578"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-thomas-ridderbusch-minton-keleman-boulez","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Thomas, Ridderbusch, Arvidson, Minton, Keleman; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re a fan of Gwyneth Jones, this recording of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e is an absolute treasure. It captures the Welsh soprano at the peak of her powers, combining immense dramatic intensity with the lyrical finesse that defined her early career. Her performance is nothing short of extraordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJess Thomas, though slightly past his prime and sounding somewhat dry, handles the demanding role of Siegfried with commendable skill. Karl Ridderbusch delivers an intriguing Hagen, portraying him with a stately cold-bloodedness that feels more calculated than unhinged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePierre Boulez’s conducting is inspired from start to finish, clearly energized by the caliber of the production and the stellar cast. The second act, in particular, is a tour de force—arguably the most thrilling rendition I’ve ever heard. The sound quality is excellent, and I’ve included the applause at the end, which features a prominent mix of cheers and boos. This recording is not only a testament to the performance but also a reminder of the uproar it sparked—complete with riots and police intervention. Not bad for a work celebrating its centennial at the time!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10749-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635119752,"sku":"10749-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217348,"sku":"MP3 10749-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10749-4front.jpeg?v=1751036563"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-windgassen-shuard-frick-shaw-veasey-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Shuard, Windgassen, Frick, Shaw, Veasey; Solti. 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The sound is fair to good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10766-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634497160,"sku":"10766-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099223108,"sku":"MP3 10766-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10766-4front.jpg?v=1751036537"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-modl-windgassen-greindl-uhde-neidlinger-resnik-keilberth","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Windgassen, Mödl, Greindl, Uhde, Neidlinger, Resnik; Keilberth.  Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the years following the Bayreuth Festival's post-WWII revival, the stage was set for a new generation of Wagnerian stars, including Martha Mödl, Wolfgang Windgassen, and Josef Greindl. Though Mödl’s vocal prime was brief, that brief window delivered performances of unmatched intensity and dramatic integrity, and this recording showcases that power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWindgassen’s Siegfried is fresh and bold, while Greindl’s Hagen is dark and foreboding. Regina Resnik’s Third Norn is the definition of luxury casting. The sound quality is exceptional, capturing the clarity of both the vocal performances and the lush orchestration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording is a vibrant testament to Bayreuth’s postwar renaissance, where dramatic passion and vocal brilliance came together in unforgettable performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10786-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633743496,"sku":"10786-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099218052,"sku":"MP3 10786-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10786-4front.jpg?v=1751036512"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-cox-ridderbusch-mazura-neidlinger-stein-bayreuth-1975","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger; Stein.  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Franz Mazura and Anna Reynolds make equally worthy contributions as Gunther and Waltraute respectively. Although the sound is for the most part very good there are about a dozen moments where the recording will jump about a second. This happens mostly during the first half hour or so of the opera. That said, if you can brace yourself for a few bumps in the road I think you will really enjoy this stunning performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10803-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632825992,"sku":"10803-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099216900,"sku":"MP3 10803-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10803-4front.jpg?v=1751036478"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-windgassen-frick-uhde-kraus-shuard-konwitschny","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Windgassen, Frick, Uhde, Kraus, Shuard; Konwitschny.  London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e is a political allegory, \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e is a family drama, \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e a comedy, then \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e can be broadly characterized as the action film of the group. And if George Bernard Shaw found the whole affair rather tawdry in relationship to the subtlety of the earlier operas, he can easily be overlooked when you assemble a cast like this that is able to ignite the stage in a firestorm of drama and excitement. Astrid Varnay is a force of nature throughout delivering one of the most exciting Act IIs I have ever heard. Wolfgang Windgassen's Siegfried should be well known to Wagner lovers thanks to the Solti and Böhm \u003cem\u003eRings\u003c\/em\u003e. Surprisingly, in 1959 his voice actually had a darker hue than in the 60s. Gottlob Frick's Hagen is terrifying both due to the black color of his voice as well as the everyman quality he brought to the role elevating the character out of mythic proportions to a level that is more readily identifiable in the context of real life. As alluded to in my descriptions of the previous installments, Konwitschny seems to favor broader tempos. This, at times, seems to flummox the singers who often get ahead of his beat. This is particularly true of Windgassen. Perhaps this was due to a lack of rehearsal or perhaps the singers were just being willful. In the end, you wish that they had made more of an effort to go with his vision as the breadth he brings to the score is revelatory. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10831-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631122056,"sku":"10831-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222916,"sku":"MP3 10831-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10831-4front.jpg?v=1751036454"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-mazura-neidlinger-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Martin; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1971","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the biggest challenges for any soprano who assumes the role of Brünnhilde is how to unify the naive tomboy in \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e with the sensual and ultimately vengeful Brünnhilde of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung.\u003c\/em\u003e For my money, Catarina Ligendza comes as close as any to doing just that. In the last installment of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, she manages to muster enough power to cope with the dramatic demands of Act II while maintaining the integrity of her youthful tone. True, she may not be the force of nature that Birgit Nilsson was, but the vulnerability she brings to the role adds an interesting twist and at no point does her voice buckle under the demands of the orchestration. Jean Cox seems to relish the chances he has to show off his more lyrical singing particularly in his death scene which is actually quite beautiful. Karl Ridderbusch is near perfection as Hagen. His voice, although black, still has a touch of class and glamor to it. His Hagen is more conniving player, than hulking brute. Franz Mazura is heard to great effect as Gunther. By the time the Boulez \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e was recorded his voice was already a bit rough around the edges, which was not the case when this recording was made. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10860-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630204552,"sku":"10860-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217604,"sku":"MP3 10860-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10860-4front.jpg?v=1751036417"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-hopf-frick-stewart-crespin-kempe","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Hopf, Frick, Stewart, Crespin, Kraus, Hoffman; Kempe. Bayreuth, 1961","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cast for \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e really doesn't get any better than this. You have Birgit Nilsson, at the peak of her career, singing Brünnhilde, Hans Hopf, a tenor who was never the first choice of his day but would own the world if her were active now, Gottlob Frick, the Bela Lugosi of Basses, as Hagen, Thomas Stewart, as Gunther and even Régine Crespin as the third Norn. With Rudolf Kempe at the helm, it made for an exhilarating culmination to a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that is truly one of the greatest ever preserved. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10999-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292626305160,"sku":"10999-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099218692,"sku":"MP3 10999-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10999-4front.jpg?v=1751036310"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-dernesch-thomas-ridderbusch-stewart-janowitz-karajan","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Dernesch, Thomas, Ridderbusch, Stewart, Janowitz, Ludwig, Ligendza, Moser; Karajan.  Salzburg, 1970","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is one thing for certain, you will never see a cast of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e as glittering as this one ever again. Herbert von Karajan, not accustomed to being turned down, managed to get people like Gundula Janowitz, Catarina Ligendza, Lili Chookasian and Edda Moser to sing Gutrune, the First Norn, Wellgunde and Third Norn respectively. Whether or not this glut of talent in the smaller roles may have revealed some of the shortcomings of the leads is a different story. Because Karajan's \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e was meant as a clear answer to Solti's, comparisons between Helga Dernesch and Birgit Nilsson are inevitable. Does Dernesch reach Nilsson's brilliance? No. But that is not to say that she doesn't bring a lot to the table. The warmth of Dernesch's voice remains consistent throughout the entire evening even during the most dramatic singing and if at times her voice can seem a little monochromatic, her default vocal color has enough interest to sustain one through the many hours of Wagner. By the 1970s the youthful sheen of Jess Thomas' voice was beginning to fade. Although he is remarkably sturdy, the frayed edges of his heldentenor are all to apparent. Karl Ridderbusch is a stand-out as Hagen. Ridderbusch is no stranger to lovers of the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, having made this role a staple of his long career, however, Karajan compels him to give some very delicate (not a word often associated with Hagen) singing particularly in his scene with Alberich which left me fantasizing about what his \u003cem\u003eWinterreise\u003c\/em\u003e might have been like. Thomas Stewart is glorious as Gunther. The real star of the evening is the maestro and whether or not you have issues with Karajan's unconventional casting, the musicality that he evokes from the orchestra is a true revelation. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11009-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292625977480,"sku":"11009-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099214020,"sku":"MP3 11009-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11009-4front.jpg?v=1751036298"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-hagenau-gwyneth-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Hagenau, Jones; Leitner. Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1967 cycle comes to a close, with a fine cast led by Birgit Nilsson's legendary Brünnhilde. She takes a while to warm up in Act I, but is afterwords heard in prime form, especially in a thrilling Immolation scene. Wolfgang Windgassen is Siegfried, one of his finest roles, and is heard in excellent, untiring voice, tossing off the near-impossible high C in Act III like it is merely a vocalise. Heinz Hagenau's sonorous Hagen and Zoltan Kélémen's Alberich make a compelling case for the forces of darkness, and Fabio Giongo makes for a fine Gunther. Likewise, his Fricka, Grace Hoffman, returns for a compelling Waltraute scene, and is joined in the Norn's trio by Erika Wien and Gwyneth Jones. The latter also sings what may possibly be the most dramatically-compelling Gutrune ever recorded, climaxing in a hair-raising scream when her husband's body is borne in. If there is anything to complain about, it's that the brass playing is often scrappy at best, and the performance is cut (not disfiguringly). However, the errors give this very live performance a vitality and fervor that carries through the singing all the way to the ecstatic reactions from the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11057-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623814792,"sku":"11057-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222340,"sku":"MP3 11057-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11057-4front.jpg?v=1751036240"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-gotterdammerung-shuard-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Siegfried \u0026 Götterdämmerung (Excerpts) - Shuard, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the heals of releasing the complete 1967 \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e from Buenos Aires, I had the good fortune to come across some excerpts from a few months later with nearly the same cast, the notable exception being Amy Shuard as Brünnhilde, stepping in for Birgit Nilsson. Shuard’s approach to Brünnhilde could not be more different from Nilsson’s. Her voice didn’t have the same thrust, but instead she brought a beauty of tone and lyricism that is all to rare in Wagner. Remarkably, she manages to maintain her vocal beauty even during some of the most dramatic scenes of Act II of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. The rest of the cast includes Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried, David Ward, as the Wanderer, Grace Hoffman as Waltraute and the luxury casting of Gwyneth Jones as Gutrune. The recording is in very good stereo sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11065-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623618184,"sku":"11065-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099244484,"sku":"MP3 11065-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11065-3front.jpg?v=1751036232"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-ring-lindholm-cox-rundgren-nimsgern-kelemen-davis","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Lindholm, Cox, Rundgren, Nimsgern, Knight, Kelemen; Davis.  London, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of you who enjoyed Berit Lindholm as the Walküre and Siegfried Brünnhildes in the 1968 Bayreuth Ring, you will be glad to know that when faced with the most dramatic installment of Wagner's tetralogy, she rises to the challenge with seeming ease. In the 8 years that had elapsed her voice has taken on a darker, more burnished hue. Thankfully this richness does not come at the cost of her security on top. Jean Cox is as sturdy as ever as Siegfried. The vocal beauty and charisma that Bengt Rundgren brings to Hagen seems almost incongruous at first, but as the evening proceeds he reveals a Hagen whose malevolence is all the more dangerous given his compelling attractiveness. The performances is also peppered with some real star turns in the small roles including Gilliam Knight as Waltraute, Valerie Masterson as Woglinde, Elizabeth Connell as the second Norn and Pauline Tinsley as the third Norn. Sir Colin Davis leads a spirited performance. Although the sound is an improvement of our previous version, it is still not perfect. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproved Master (see above)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11099-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292622012552,"sku":"11099-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222596,"sku":"MP3 11099-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11099-4front.jpg?v=1751036190"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nedezda-kniplova-jean-cox-gerd-nienstedt-irene-dalis-fassbaender-dernesch-sawallisch","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Kniplová, Cox, Nienstedt, Kélémen, Dalis, Tipton; Sawalllisch. 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If he lacked the boom of a true profundo bass voice, he makes up for it by creating a Hagen who is a genteel conniver as opposed to brutish bully. Irene Dalis is luxury casting in the brief role of Waltraute and delivers an impassioned monologue. To sweeten the deal, Helga Dernesch sings the role of the second Norn and Brigitte Fassbaender sings Flosshilde. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11132-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292620308616,"sku":"11132-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099218180,"sku":"MP3 11132-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11132-4front.jpg?v=1751036152"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-tristan-birgit-nilsson-windgassen-frick-georg-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung Act III, Rheinfahrt; Tristan und Isolde Prelude and Liebstod - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick; Solti. London 1963","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording, from the BBC Proms in 1963, celebrated the 150th anniversary of Wagner's birth with an absolutely stunning concert. Captured in gloriously pristine sound, \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e brings his unparalleled insight into Wagner's greatest operas to the podium. The first half of the concert features a rousing rendition of Siegfried's Journey down the Rhine, and then a Tristan Prelude and Liebestod that seems almost frozen in time. He is aided by the exemplary Isolde of \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e, who reappears to give one of the best renditions of the Immolation Scene I have ever heard in the concert's second half. Also on hand for the last act of the \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e are \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, in fine form for Siegfried's crucial narration, \u003cb\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/b\u003e's dark and sinister Hagen, and \u003cb\u003eMarie Collier\u003c\/b\u003e, lending real gravitas to Gutrune's few moments in the sun. The presence of \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e in the middle of a beguiling trio of Rhinemaidens is the cherry on the top of this delectable Wagnerian dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11186-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615622792,"sku":"11186-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099222724,"sku":"MP3 11186-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11186-2front.jpg?v=1751036085"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-jung-ridderbusch-mazura-bode-kelemen-boulez-bayreuth-1977","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Jung, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Bode, Kélémen; Boulez. 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Although the voice is fresher than it was in the Phillips recording and at times quite pleasing, there is a monochromaticism to both voice and demeanor that makes for some very long monologues. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e is a little past his prime but nonetheless brings all of his brooding menace to the role of Hagen. \u003cb\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/b\u003e is quite welcome in the role of Waltraute, delivering a narrative that is both impressively sung and vivid in its depiction of the end of the gods. The fleet tempos that \u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e takes in the Phillips release seem relaxed by a few clicks of the metronome in this performance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11194-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615360648,"sku":"11194-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099217156,"sku":"MP3 11194-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11194-4front.jpg?v=1751036075"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-birgit-nilsson-hans-hopf-arnold-van-mill-gre-brouwenstijn-heinz-wallberg","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Hopf, Van Mill, Boese, Brouwenstijn; Wallberg. 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His orchestra seems to have been whipped into shape (even the brass is more in tune than not) and the cast is a fine one. \u003cb\u003eHans Hopf\u003c\/b\u003e’s bully-boy Siegfried has an attractive baritonal quality to his voice and brings an exciting clarity towards his death scene. \u003cb\u003eArnold van Mill\u003c\/b\u003e’s Hagen is less subtle than most (he indulges in some maniacal laughter as Act II comes to a close) but it’s impeccably sung. \u003cb\u003eAngel Mattiello\u003c\/b\u003e’s Gunther is likewise notable, and \u003cb\u003eAlois Pernerstorffer\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eUrsula Boese\u003c\/b\u003e return for strong cameo appearances as Alberich and Waltraute. \u003cb\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/b\u003e returns as well, not only as an excellent Gutrune but also as the Third Norn, blending well with \u003cb\u003eTota de Igarzaba\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eNoemi Souza\u003c\/b\u003e in trio and blazing on her own in solo. The Rhinemaidens (with \u003cb\u003eSouza\u003c\/b\u003e returning as Flosshilde) are a little less impressive, but the chorus work is strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e A few minutes of music are missing from Act I, including the moment where Siegfried drinks the love potion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11246-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292610412680,"sku":"11246-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099213956,"sku":"MP3 11246-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11246-4front.jpg?v=1751036003"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-dvorakova-heater-lagger-georges-sebastian","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung (Acts II \u0026 III) - Dvorakova, Heater, Lagger, Petri; Sebastian. 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In a world where Wagnerites are used to making allowances for singers who must sing music that in many ways is unsingable, it is refreshing to find an artist who fits Wagner’s mold so well. \u003cb\u003eClaude Heater\u003c\/b\u003e was that rarest of birds - a Heldentenor who could cope with the grueling demands of six hours of singing Wagner, manage all the high notes (including an impressive high C) and all the while conveying a sense of youth and vigor (an interesting bit of operatic trivia: he played the part of Jesus opposite Charlton Heston in \u003cem\u003eBen-Hur!\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003cb\u003ePeter Lagger\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a black, calculating Hagen with a pinch of suave charm. I would be remiss not to mention \u003cb\u003eGeorges Sébastian\u003c\/b\u003e (another underrated artist) who leads the orchestra with precision and paces the evening with organic ease. The sound is fair. 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Whereas other dramatic sopranos tend to duck the many high notes Wagner wrote for this role, \u003cb\u003eBjoner\u003c\/b\u003e seems to relish every moment to thrilling effect, sounding as fresh in the Immolation Scene as she did in the Love Duet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/b\u003e is a sturdy \u003cb\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/b\u003e, bringing a lyrical quality to the part, although his voice is somewhat monochromatic, which can make for some long monologues. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e’s oddly glamorous \u003cb\u003eHagen\u003c\/b\u003e is more Machiavelli than brooding psychopath, giving the character a little more credibility than the central-casting villain he can so easily become. 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Remarkably, the cast includes two additional legendary Brünnhildes: \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e as the third Norn and \u003cb\u003eHelga Dernesch\u003c\/b\u003e as a richly sung Gutrune, making for an extraordinary ensemble of Wagnerian powerhouses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11365-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292605628552,"sku":"11365-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099216580,"sku":"MP3 11365-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11365-4front.jpg?v=1751035862"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-gwyneth-jones-jean-cox-karl-ridderbusch-franz-mazura-eva-randova-horst-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Randová, Reynolds; Stein. 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And as a final delight, \u003cb\u003eAnja Silja\u003c\/b\u003e graces the performance with a luxurious cameo as the Third Norn, adding yet another layer of excellence to this already exceptional cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11484-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292601041032,"sku":"11484-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":18901412228,"sku":"MP3 11484-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":18901412292,"sku":"FLAC 11484-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11484-4front.jpeg?v=1751035725"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-gertrude-grob-prandl-gunther-treptow-ludwig-weber-moralt-hilde-konetzni","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Grob-Prandl, Treptow, Weber, Kamann, Konetzni; Moralt. 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In scenes that call for thunderous massed voices, the ensemble sounds sparse and underpowered—more like a chamber choir than a gathering of royal vassals, which undercuts some of the opera’s dramatic heft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11516-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292599992456,"sku":"11516-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":26291834376,"sku":"MP3 11516-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":26291834504,"sku":"FLAC 11516-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11516-4front.jpg?v=1751035690"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-berit-lindholm-hans-hopf-peter-meven-hermann-becht-gunther-wich","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Lindholm, Hopf, Meven, Becht; Wich. 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And for reasons that are not entirely clear, \u003cb\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/b\u003e also sings the Third Norn—an unusual choice, but one that no one is likely to complain about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11939-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":43518702747882,"sku":"11939-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":43518702813418,"sku":"MP3 11939-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":43518702878954,"sku":"FLAC 11939-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11939-4front.jpg?v=1751035227"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nillson-beirer-ridderbusch-wimberger-hoffman-kelemen-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Beirer, Ridderbusch, Hoffman, Wimberger, Kélémen; Stein. Wien, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance features \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e in one of her final appearances as Brünnhilde. Remarkably, despite being nearly 60 and having sung the role for over two decades, she manages the vocal demands with admirable command. \u003cb\u003eHans Beirer\u003c\/b\u003e proves himself a Siegfried for the ages, though he keeps the prompter busy with some missed entrances—hardly unusual for the Staatsoper during this period, where monumental works were often staged with minimal rehearsal. Fortunately, the casts were strong enough that few seemed to mind. \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e, portraying Hagen, sounds vibrant and undiminished, lending his usual gravitas to the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is notable microphone rustling at the beginning, and the first minute of the opera is lost to a dropout. However, the rest of the sound is reasonably clear and allows the performance to shine through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis recording replaces OD 11791-4. The new version now includes the Rheinmaiden scene in Act III and corrects some issues with wayward pitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11949-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":44051737968961,"sku":"11949-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":44051738001729,"sku":"MP3 11949-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":44051738034497,"sku":"FLAC 11949-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11949-4front.jpg?v=1751035219"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-hans-hotter-astrid-varnay-josef-greindl-elisabeth-grummer-jean-madeira-hans-knappertsbusch","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Windgassen, Greindl, Madeira, Wiener, Grümmer, Andersson, Gorr; Knappertbusch. Bayreuth, 1958","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many great Brünnhildes, but there is only one \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e is not merely a performance—it’s a reckoning. Where others have sung the role with power, Varnay infused it with psychological nuance, vocal daring, and a command of the stage that turned Wagner’s epic finale into something startlingly intimate. She didn’t just sing Brünnhilde—she excavated her. Every betrayal, every flash of fury, every moment of recognition unfolded with raw immediacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat made Varnay so compelling in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e wasn’t just her voice—although the voice was formidable, capable of piercing through even the most massive orchestral textures. It was the way she used that voice. In the final pages of the opera, as Brünnhilde strides toward her transfiguration, Varnay's tone seemed to grow larger and more luminous, but never less human. She made Brünnhilde’s final sacrifice feel less like a mythic act and more like an urgent act of personal truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 12043-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":47984440279361,"sku":"12043-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":47984440344897,"sku":"MP3 12043-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":47984440410433,"sku":"FLAC 12043-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/12043-4front.jpg?v=1751035111"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-windgassen-greindl-uhde-malaniuk-neidlinger-krauss","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Windgassen, Greindl, Uhde, Resnik, Malaniuk, Neidlinger; C. Krauss. Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough only 35 at the time of this performance, \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e brought a wealth of experience to Brünnhilde, having first sung the role at 23. What emerges is a portrayal that blends youthful freshness with a depth of interpretation rarely found in singers of her age. \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e is chillingly effective as Hagen, embodying pure menace. It’s also a treat to hear \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/strong\u003e in the brief but memorable role of the Third Norn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 12113-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":49556634960193,"sku":"12113-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":49556634992961,"sku":"MP3 12113-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":49556635025729,"sku":"FLAC 12113-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12113-4front.jpg?v=1751035008"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-hunter-remedios-haugland-hammond-stroud-masterson-goodall","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung (In English) - Hunter, Remedios, Haugland, Hammond-Stroud, Masterson; Goodall. London, 1977","description":"\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"title-header\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSecond Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eGillian Knight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThird Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eAnne Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSiegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eAlberto Remedios\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eRita Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eKatherine Pring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGunther – \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Welsby\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHagen – \u003cstrong\u003eAage Haugland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMargaret Curphey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlberich – \u003cstrong\u003eDerek Hammond-Stroud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWoglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eValerie Masterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eShelagh Squires\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlosshilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHelen Attfield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eLondon Coliseum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember, 1977\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eReginald Goodall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e30005-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":50537270083905,"sku":"30005-4","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_fccd7984-4d0c-47a7-bc83-c83fef4e0f5a.png?v=1751123731"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-varnay-lorenz-greindl-uhde-modl-neidlinger-keilberth","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Varnay, Lorenz, Greindl, Uhde, Mödl, Neidlinger; Keilberth. Bayreuth, 1952","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- Left Column: Title, Composer, Description --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Wagner (1813–1883)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDESCRIPTION\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAs Brünnhilde, \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is heard at the height of her powers, bringing over a decade of Wagnerian experience as well as a voice that still retained its youthful radiance and seemingly effortless command of even the most formidable passages in the score. By contrast, her Siegfried, \u003cstrong\u003eMax Lorenz\u003c\/strong\u003e, sounds somewhat past his prime, occasionally straying sharp and lacking the interpretive nuance of his partner. Nonetheless, he handles the role with stamina and assurance, never flagging vocally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e, who would go on to define Hagen and other major bass roles for two decades, shows a different aspect of the character in this earlier performance. His voice retains a freshness that later recordings would lack, allowing him to imbue the role with a rare, if unsettling, charm. \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Uhde\u003c\/strong\u003e contributes a firm, resonant Gunther, partnered effectively with \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e as Gutrune. Mödl also appears as the Third Norn, reminding us all that there are no small parts in opera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Keilberth\u003c\/strong\u003e shapes the drama with deft control, illuminating Wagner’s orchestral writing with a perceptive grasp of both text painting and motivic structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- Right Column: Cast and Details --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eAstrid Varnay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eMax Lorenz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Hagen – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gunther – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Uhde\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Gutrune – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Waltraute – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Siewert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Woglinde – \u003cstrong\u003eErika Zimmermann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Wellgunde – \u003cstrong\u003eHertha Töpper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Floßhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eHanna Ludwig\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Erste Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eRuth Siewert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Zweite Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Bugarinovic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Dritte Norn – \u003cstrong\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Location: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003e1952\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Keilberth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 12319-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":51174023823681,"sku":"12319-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":51174023856449,"sku":"MP3 12319-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51174023889217,"sku":"FLAC 12319-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/12319-4front.jpg?v=1767147973"}],"url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/all-gotterdammerung.oembed?page=3","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}