See more: 13 CD Set
Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Varnay, Hotter, Windgassen, Resnik, Vinay, Greindl, Malaniuk; C, Krauss. Bayreuth, 1953
$52.95
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Pros:
- The fun thing about the many broadcasts of the Ring Cycle from Bayreuth in the 1950s is that the casts stayed more or less the same, but the conductors would often change, highlighting how much power the conductor has to shape this cycle. Clemens Krauss brings a slightly more traditional approach than Hans Knappertsbusch, but it is no less chocked full of insight in the form of orchestral gestures with crystal-clear intention, and astute dramatic pacing.
- Astrid Varnay and Wolfgang Windgassen are found at their absolute prime.
- Hans Hotter's tone was already developing a wooly quality, but he still manages the dramatic climaxes with ease.
- Regina Resnik and Ramón Vinay are red-hot as Sieglinde and Siegmund.
Cons:
- Although he sings like a god, Wolfgang Windgassen struggles to stay in tempo and make his entrances where Wagner has asked for them.
In Mono
OD 12114-13
