{"title":"RANDOVÁ, Eva","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"gotterdammerung-wagner-ligendza-cox-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Ligendza, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger, Randová; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou would not expect Catarina Ligendza to be as successful in the role of Brünnhilde as she was. Her jugendlische sound seems a somewhat incongruous fit, especially in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e. Surprisingly, she manages to rise to the challenges with confidence. She is well matched with the Siegfried of Jean Cox (the two must have been one of the most attractive pair in the history of Bayreuth.) Karl Ridderbusch brings sinister charm to the role of Hagen. 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-walkure-lindholm-adam-jones-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Lindholm, Adam, Jones, Brenneis, Reynolds, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is interesting to hear Berit Lindholm as Brünnhilde seven years after her initial outing in the role. In that time her voice had darkened and become more rich which works mostly to her benefit as the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde sits lower than any of others. The downside is that this added richness and weight seem to make getting to the upper extension a little more labored. Theo Adam returns as Wotan, a role he all but owned at Bayreuth for nearly a decade, and brings his signature virile poise to the part. Gwyneth Jones was about ready to make the switch to Brünnhilde and, sadly, the toll of the hochdramatische repertoire would begin to take a toll. However in 1973 she was still in command of her over-sized soprano and delivers some thrilling singing. Gerd Brenneis as Siegmund is on the more lyrical side of the spectrum which make for a very beautiful \u003cem\u003e\"Winterstürme.\"\u003c\/em\u003e The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10930-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666282120,"sku":"10930-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099264260,"sku":"MP3 10930-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10930-3front.jpg?v=1751037322"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-hofmann-randova-sotin-weikl-mazura-ridderbusch-stein-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Hofmann, Randova, Sotin, Weikl, Mazura, Ridderbusch; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of you who have come to remember Peter Hofmann as a tenor whose voice never quite lived up to his physical appearance, you should give this early performance of \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e a try. Hofmann's voice has the same kind of burly lyricism as a young Jess Thomas. Sadly, like Thomas, that youthful sheen began to wear off as he started making recordings, leaving a legacy that is not entirely fair to his actual talents. Eva Randová is one of the wilder Kundrys I have heard and although it is exciting singing, I found myself wishing that she would occasionally paint with smaller strokes. Hans Sotin's mellifluous bass gives his Gurnemanz a youthful quality and the same can be said for Bernd Weikl's Amfortas. The sound is very good although there are a few brief drop-outs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10923-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292665888904,"sku":"10923-4","price":32.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099231236,"sku":"MP3 10923-4","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10923-4front_ba8e0fcb-67f3-45c4-9186-72d38873b3fe.jpg?v=1751037309"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-mcintyre-randova-zednik-keleman-boulez","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - McIntyre, Randová, Zednik, Kélémen, Salminen; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the outset, this production was marked by volatility. A vocal and seemingly organized faction of the audience was determined to resist Patrice Chéreau’s revolutionary approach to staging Wagner, a shift that would forever change the landscape of opera direction. This tension is palpable in the recording, and while the visuals aren’t available, the energy is unmistakable. The entire cast, galvanized by their participation in this pivotal moment for opera, delivers a performance crackling with electricity, alongside Pierre Boulez's inspired conducting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne notable variation from the commercial release is Eva Randová as Fricka. Randová portrays Fricka as more of a sharp-tongued harridan than a regal queen. The sound quality is excellent, capturing the intensity and historic significance of this landmark production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10746-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635676808,"sku":"10746-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099160132,"sku":"MP3 10746-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10746-2front.jpeg?v=1751036567"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-jones-mcintyre-bode-hofmann-randova-salminen-boulez","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - McIntyre, Jones, Bode, Hofmann, Randová, Salminen; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor my money, this recording of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e far surpasses the commercial release. My biggest gripe with Boulez’s studio release was the pacing—often too fast to let Wagner’s music truly breathe. While I appreciate a brisk tempo as much as anyone, some moments demand the audience be allowed to luxuriate in the music. In this version, Boulez strikes that balance beautifully, particularly in the Act I duet, which carries a languid quality absent in the commercial release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Boulez isn’t without fault here. His hurried tempo during \"O hehrste Wunder\" in Act III almost leaves poor Hannelore Bode scrambling to keep up. Conversely, the fire music at the end is conducted at breakneck speed, but this rapid tempo creates an atmosphere that feels weightless and ethereal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe singers are all in excellent form. Gwyneth Jones sounds far more comfortable than she would five years later, delivering acrobatic \u003cem\u003ehojotohos\u003c\/em\u003e with ease. Donald McIntyre’s Wanderer is less leathery in tone, and Peter Hofmann’s Siegmund is a standout. In the 1970s, Hofmann was more than just a pretty face—his stentorian tenor voice here is both attractive and commanding. Unfortunately, Hannelore Bode disappoints as Sieglinde, but Eva Randová’s exciting Fricka channels the fiery intensity of Irene Dalis. The sound quality is excellent, making this recording a must-hear for Wagner enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10747-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635644040,"sku":"10747-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099203716,"sku":"MP3 10747-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10747-3front.jpeg?v=1751036566"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-excerpts-jones-kollo-thomas-mcintyre-salminen-boulez","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen EXCERPTS - Jones, Kollo, Thomas, McIntyre, Hofmann, Bode, Salminen, Ridderbusch","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first encounter with opera came at the tender age of 3 when my father was watching the \u003cem\u003eChéreau Ring Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. As the story goes, I climbed onto his lap and watched the entire performance in rapt silence. Though I don’t remember it, this moment feels like a fitting initiation, as it sparked a lifelong obsession with Wagner—and, as many of you already know, Gwyneth Jones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscovering this particular \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e has been an absolute delight, as it surpasses the commercial release on nearly every front. Pierre Boulez’s conducting is masterful, blending nuance and variety with brisk tempi while allowing the music to breathe when needed. Gwyneth Jones is at her peak, delivering a performance of stunning beauty and dramatic intensity, complete with some truly unparalleled high Cs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cast adds even more richness, featuring René Kollo as a youthful and vibrant “Junge” Siegfried, Jess Thomas as a compelling \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Siegfried, Karl Ridderbusch as an exceptionally suave Hagen, and Eva Randová as a brilliantly over-the-top Fricka. The sound quality is excellent, making this a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e to treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10752-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292635021448,"sku":"10752-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099241284,"sku":"MP3 10752-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10752-1front.jpg?v=1751036560"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-jones-kollo-thomas-mcintyre-hofmann-bode-boulez-bayreuth-1976","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Kollo, Thomas, McIntyre, Hofmann, Bode; Boulez.  Bayreuth, 1976","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first experience with opera came when I was 3 years old. My father was watching the Chéreau \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. According to him, I went and sat on his lap and watched the whole thing with him in rapt silence. It seems fitting that I should be initiated in such a way and even though I don’t remember this experience, as I would go on to cultivate an obsession both with Wagner and with Gwyneth Jones (as many of the regulars already know.) I was beyond pleased to encounter this \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e and find that on almost every front it is better than the commercial release. Pierre Boulez’s conducting is nuanced and varied favoring brisk tempi but not being afraid to slow down when the music calls for it. Gwyneth Jones is at her absolute best delivering a performance that is remarkable both for its beauty and dramatic force (and not to mention some unparalleled high Cs.) In addition there are some interesting variations including René Kollo as \"Der junge\" Siegfried, Jess Thomas as the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Siegfried, Karl Ridderbusch as one of the most suave Hagens you will ever come across and Eva Randová as a wonderfully hysterical Fricka. The sound is excellent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10750-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292634923144,"sku":"10750-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099171332,"sku":"MP3 10750-2","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10750-12front.jpeg?v=1751036556"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-jones-mcintyre-napier-king-ridderbusch-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Waküre - Jones, McIntyre, Napier, King, Ridderbusch, Reynolds; Stein. Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e captures Gwyneth Jones right at the moment when she was beginning to hit her stride as a Wagnerian soprano and displays a soprano that is both lush and steely but also capable of delicate singing particularly in the last scene with Wotan.  Donald McIntyre brings a more human approach to Wotan, eschewing the Bayreuth bark in favor of a more introspective approach.  James King's Siegmund is both stentorian and fresh in a way that you would not expect from a tenor who had been singing some of the most dramatic rep for the past twenty years.  His \u003cem\u003e\"Winterstürme\"\u003c\/em\u003e in particular should serve as model to would-be heldentenors that singing Wagner is not just about power.  Marita Napier is a disappointment as Sieglinde.  The voice is unfocused and strident.  Horst Stein gives enormous attention to the melodic lyricism of this opera finding musical lines even in the most bombastic moments.  The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10801-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633219208,"sku":"10801-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099203908,"sku":"MP3 10801-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10801-3front.jpg?v=1751036492"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-jones-mcintyre-cox-king-napier-ridderbusch-reynolds-stein","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Ridderbusch, King, Napier, Reynolds; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be asking why you need another \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e and the answer is quite simple: Horst Stein. Stein was a conductor who never really rose to the top but, in my opinion, deserves a place next to the great Wagnerian interpreters of his day. Stein's approach was unfussy and free of mannerisms which in the era of Karajan and Knappertsbusch is quite refreshing. Instead, he brought a keen ear to the musical line and manages to shape even some of the most bombastic music into lyrical melodies. This approach seems to benefit the singers enormously. The tempos are fleet while remaining elastic and whereas many conductors get lured in by the detail of the orchestration, the vocal line remains for Stein the driving force of the music. His efforts benefit enormously from a stellar cast including Gwyneth Jones as Brünnhilde, Jean Cox as Siegmund Karl Ridderbusch as Fasolt, Hunding and Hagen and James King as Siegmund. The sound is quite good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10805-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633153672,"sku":"10805-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242820,"sku":"MP3 10805-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10805-1front.jpg?v=1751036489"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-jones-cox-ridderbusch-mazura-neidlinger-stein-bayreuth-1975","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Jones, Cox, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Neidlinger; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy first time experiencing Wagner in the theater was about twenty years ago at the Metropolitan Opera. The opera was \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e and featured Gwyneth Jones as Brünnhilde. I will never forget the sensation of hearing her voice open up at \u003cem\u003e\"Zu neuen Taten.\"\u003c\/em\u003e As the evening progressed it seemed as if there was no end to her vocal reserves and needless to say I became an instant Wagnerian. This recording taken about twenty years earlier finds her in even greater voice and she fearlessly (and almost recklessly) plows through the almost-impossible vocal writing of Act II as if no one told her that singing Wagner can be bad for your voice. Jean Cox is a sturdy Siegfried and displays that he even had a respectable high-C. Karl Ridderbusch is a formidable Hagen and brings a touch of elegance to the part that you rarely hear. 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-der-ring-des-nibelungen-jones-cox-mcintyre-ridderbusch-king-stein-bayreuth-1975","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Ridderbusch, King; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1975","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be asking why you need another \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e and the answer is quite simple: Horst Stein. Stein was a conductor who never really rose to the top but, in my opinion, deserves a place next to the great Wagnerian interpreters of his day. Stein’s approach was unfussy and free of mannerisms which in the era of Karajan and Knappertsbusch is quite refreshing. Instead, he brought a keen ear to the musical line and manages to shape even some of the most bombastic music into lyrical melodies. This approach seems to benefit the singers enormously. The tempos are fleet while remaining elastic and whereas many conductors get lured in by the detail of the orchestration, the vocal line remains for Stein the driving force of the music. His efforts benefit enormously from a stellar cast including Gwyneth Jones as Brünnhilde, Jean Cox as Siegmund Karl Ridderbusch as Fasolt, Hunding and Hagen and James King as Siegmund. The sound for the most part is also quite good with one caveat: During \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e the music occasionally jumps a second. These moments are indeed jarring but are rather infrequent in the context of the whole opera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10804-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292632793224,"sku":"10804-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099169476,"sku":"MP3 10804-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10804-12front.jpg?v=1751036476"},{"product_id":"ponchielli-la-gioconda-rysanek-tagliavini-randova-paskalis-patane","title":"Ponchielli: La Gioconda - Rysanek, Tagliavini, Randová, Paskalis, Little, Patanè.  Berlin, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeonie Rysanek waited a good while before tackling the role of Gioconda, but it was well worth the wait. By the mid to late seventies her voice had a wild abandon which made her thrilling in roles like Salome while maintaining the core of her technique for roles that required more finesse like Medea. Her technical prowess gave her license to throw herself into a part in way that no other singer I have heard was capable of without fear of her voice falling apart. To see her live was to witness a woman who was possessed and if at times she went over the top it was a small price to pay in contrast to the calculated, sterile performers that grace the world stages today. The rest of the cast is sturdy at best with the exception being the Laura of Eva Randová. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10898-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628762760,"sku":"10898-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098753092,"sku":"MP3 10898-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10898-2front.jpg?v=1751036377"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-lindholm-schroder-feinen-ligendza-cox-adam-ridderbusch-jones-brenneis-stein-bayreuth-1973","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Lindholm, Schröder-Feinen, Ligendza, Cox, Adam, Ridderbusch, Jones, Brenneis; Stein.  Bayreuth, 1973","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not uncommon for two sopranos to split duties as Brünnhilde in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, but I have never come across a complete cycle inhabited by three different Brünnhildes. It had originally been intended for Berit Lindholm to sing the \u003cem\u003eWalküre\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhildes and Catarina Ligendza to sing the \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e Brünnhilde, but Lindholm fell ill before the performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e giving Ursula Schröder-Feinen, who was still relatively unknown at the time, the opportunity to show off her Wagnerian chops. And some mighty fine chops they are, I might add. For my part Schröder-Feinen nearly steals the entire Cycle, tackling the shortest, but arguably most difficult, role in the \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e with seeming ease. Her top is gleaming with seemingly endless reserves and she is able to scale back her voice for the more intimate moments. That is not to short-change the achievements of her colleagues. Lindholm struggles a little at first with the \u003cem\u003eWalkür\u003c\/em\u003ee Brünnhilde but quickly settles into things revealing an alluring, auburn color to her voice, which brought to my mind a young Astrid Varnay. Catarina Ligendza returns for her third summer as Brünnhilde at Bayreuth and seems more confident and secure than ever. It is unclear to me how well her voice may have cut through the orchestra, but she manages the treacherous role with impressive security and a youthful quality that is all too rare in Wagner. The rest of the cast is very good. Theo Adam sings Wotan, Gwyneth Jones is Sieglinde, Jean Cox delivers a dashing Siegfried (replete with an impressive high C in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e). The smaller roles are no less distinguished, including the likes of Eva Randovà as Gutrune, Franz Mazura as Gunther and Marga Höffgen as Erda. The sound is very good and the performances are complete except for about 30 seconds of music at the beginning of \"Ewig war ich\" in Act III of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10933-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292627943560,"sku":"10933-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099175172,"sku":"MP3 10933-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10933-12front.jpg?v=1751036363"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-jones-kollo-jung-mcintyre-kelemen-minton-salminen-boulez-bayreuth-1977","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Kollo, Jung, McIntyre, Kélémen, Minton, Salminen; Boulez. Bayreuth, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set comes from the second summer of the legendary Chéreau\/Boulez \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e at Bayreuth, and although the catcalls at the end of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e suggest that the public was still a few years away from accepting the production, the cheers for the stellar cast confirm that musically they had a triumph on their hands. Those who had the good fortune to have seen \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e live know of her power to draw you into the inner life of a character and although her voice and histrionics were powerful, she knew how to wield both with precision and at times delicacy. The “haters” out there will often point to erratic vocal production that occasionally marred her performances, but I would imagine they would find very little to fault her with here. She was a dramatic soprano in the true sense of the word and unleashes hellfire on the unsuspecting Gibichungs in Act II in a way I have never heard from a soprano past or present. \u003cb\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/b\u003e finds himself in fine form in the title role of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e, bringing a ringing tenor voice and youthful demeanor. It is a shame that he wasn’t cast in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e as \u003cb\u003eManfred Jung\u003c\/b\u003e, although in possession of a fine instrument, struggles to find any other vocal colors besides “loud” (in fairness his performance here is much fresher than the Phillips release.) \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e’s Wotan is not the finest sung on record, but he brings a stoic “everyman” quality to the role. \u003cb\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/b\u003e is a disappointing Sieglinde but \u003cb\u003eRobert Schunk\u003c\/b\u003e makes up for it by singing Siegmund with rich lyricism. \u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e favors a more leisurely approach than he would in subsequent years which seems to work to the benefit of the cast, particularly Jones. The rest of the cast includes \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e as Hagen, \u003cb\u003eMatti Salminen\u003c\/b\u003e as Hunding, \u003cb\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/b\u003e as Waltraute, \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e as Fricka, and \u003cb\u003eSiegfried Jerusalem\u003c\/b\u003e as Froh. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11195-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615426184,"sku":"11195-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099170756,"sku":"MP3 11195-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11195-12front.jpg?v=1751036077"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-jones-mcintyre-bode-schunk-randov-salminen-boulez-bayreuth-1977","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Jones, McIntyre, Bode, Schunk, Randová, Salminen; Boulez. Bayreuth, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those of you who have never understood why opera fans (myself included) were so fanatical about \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e, I would direct you to this recording. Captured right at the moment that she was beginning to make the switch from \u003cem\u003ejugendlische\u003c\/em\u003e to \u003cem\u003ehochdramatische\u003c\/em\u003e roles, Jones brings a youthful abandon to the role of Brünnhilde coming across equally convincing as warrior and teenager. And although\u003cstrong\u003e Jones w\u003c\/strong\u003eill always be most remembered for her dramatic intensity, she is actually at her best in the tender moments with Wotan in Act III (she later noted that this role had special significance for her having lost her father at a young age.) \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e finds fatherly warmth in his interactions with Brünnhilde which is even present when he is admonishing her for her disobedience. \u003cb\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/b\u003e is disappointing as Sieglinde. Although she hits all the notes her soprano sounds a little warmed-over. \u003cb\u003eRobert Schunk\u003c\/b\u003e is a surprisingly good Siegmund singing with robust lyricism. A young \u003cb\u003eMatti Salminen\u003c\/b\u003e brings a touch of suavity to the part of Hunding and \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e is a menacing Fricka. \u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e’ brisk tempos give the proceedings a lightness even during the Ride of the Valkyries. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11192-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615393416,"sku":"11192-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099203844,"sku":"MP3 11192-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11192-3front.jpg?v=1751036076"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-mcintyre-randova-zednik-kelemen-salminen-jerusalem-boulez-bayreuth-1977","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - McIntyre, Randová, Zednik, Kélémen, Salminen, Jerusalem; Boulez. Bayreuth, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e starts this performance of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e off with a gossamer-spun, rather than brooding, rendition of the prologue, and triumphs in a jocular ascent from Nibelheim after the capture of Alberich. The transformation scene is less successful, lacking the threat and humor some have brought to it, and the march to Valhalla is less grand than dazzling. It's an intriguing trade-off, but the clarity and dexterity he brings to the opera's crucial dialogue scenes make it worth the bargain. \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e is in much finer voice than he would be three years later when the cycle was recorded for commercial release, and his Wotan is as pointed as he is self-important. \u003cb\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/b\u003e also is as alert as ever, and I have rarely heard him sing better. \u003cb\u003eZoltan Kélémen\u003c\/b\u003e is on hand for his reliably wonderful Alberich; he sounds a little tired but he remains the premiere interpreter of the character for this era. \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e is a fine, priggish Fricka, and there is strong support from \u003cb\u003eSiegfried Jerusalem\u003c\/b\u003e's piercing Froh and \u003cb\u003eCarmen Reppel\u003c\/b\u003e, who manages the seemingly impossible task of making Freia vocally appealing. \u003cb\u003eHeikki Toivanen\u003c\/b\u003e is a rather lightweight Fasolt, which is not a problem encountered by \u003cb\u003eMatti Salminen\u003c\/b\u003e as his brother. \u003cb\u003eHanna Schwarz\u003c\/b\u003e (who would graduate to Fricka in later performances of this cycle) is a mystical Erda and \u003cb\u003eWolf Appel\u003c\/b\u003e is a whining Mime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11191-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615327880,"sku":"11191-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099160196,"sku":"MP3 11191-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11191-2front.jpg?v=1751036074"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-gwyneth-jones-rene-kollo-donald-mcintyre-pierre-boulez","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (excerpts) - Jones, Kollo, Jung, McIntyre, Minton, Zednik; Boulez. Bayreuth, 1977","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set of excerpts comes from the second summer of the legendary Chéreau\/Boulez \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e at Bayreuth, and although the catcalls at the end of \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e suggest that the public was still a few years away from accepting the production, the cheers for the stellar cast confirm that musically they had a triumph on their hands. Those who had the good fortune to have seen \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e live know of her power to draw you into the inner life of a character and although her voice and histrionics were powerful, she knew how to wield both with precision and at times delicacy. The “haters” out there will often point to erratic vocal production that occasionally marred her performances, but I would imagine they would find very little to fault her with here. She was a dramatic soprano in the true sense of the word and unleashes hellfire on the unsuspecting Gibichungs in Act II in a way I have never heard from a soprano past or present. \u003cb\u003eRené Kollo\u003c\/b\u003e finds himself in fine form in the title role of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e, bringing a ringing tenor voice and youthful demeanor. It is a shame that he wasn’t cast in \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e as \u003cb\u003eManfred Jung\u003c\/b\u003e, although in possession of a fine instrument, struggles to find any other vocal colors besides “loud” (in fairness his performance here is much fresher than the Phillips release.) \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e’s Wotan is not the finest sung on record, but he brings a stoic “everyman” quality to the role. \u003cb\u003eHannelore Bode\u003c\/b\u003e is a disappointing Sieglinde but \u003cb\u003eRobert Schunk\u003c\/b\u003e makes up for it by singing Siegmund with rich lyricism. \u003cb\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/b\u003e favors a more leisurely approach than he would in subsequent years which seems to work to the benefit of the cast, particularly Jones. The rest of the cast includes \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e as Hagen, \u003cb\u003eMatti Salminen\u003c\/b\u003e as Hunding, \u003cb\u003eYvonne Minton\u003c\/b\u003e as Waltraute, and \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e as Fricka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11196-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292614475912,"sku":"11196-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099168964,"sku":"MP3 11196-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11196-2front_9b70dad0-5453-4b52-9968-810061a90a8a.jpg?v=1751036044"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-roberta-knie-donald-mcintyre-gerd-brenneis-horst-stein","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Knie, McIntyre, Napier, Brenneis, Reynolds, Ridderbusch; Stein. Bayreuth, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoprano \u003cb\u003eRoberta Knie\u003c\/b\u003e got the opportunity most singers dream of during the summer of 1974 when she was called upon to replace an ailing soprano as the \u003ci\u003eWalküre\u003c\/i\u003e Brünnhilde at Bayreuth. Despite the promise of this performance, the Wagnerian repertoire would ultimately prove too taxing for her slender yet steely soprano, leading to her early retirement. That said, she is in excellent voice here, lending Brünnhilde a youthful exuberance rarely heard in Wagner—not unlike \u003cb\u003eBerit Lindholm\u003c\/b\u003e’s performances in the 1960s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e finds himself in much fresher voice than he would be in the early ’80s, when the Philips set was released. \u003cb\u003eGerd Brenneis\u003c\/b\u003e brings a youthful, lyric quality to Siegmund’s music, which is unfortunately not matched by \u003cb\u003eMarita Napier\u003c\/b\u003e’s glassy-voiced Sieglinde. The sound is good, although there is a very slight hiss in the upper range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11439-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292602450056,"sku":"11439-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14715911236,"sku":"MP3 11439-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11439-3front.jpeg?v=1751035772"},{"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. Bayreuth, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e marks the first time \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e made the switch to Brünnhilde from Sieglinde. It is a testament to Jones’s courage that she chose the most vocally daunting of all the \u003ci\u003eRing\u003c\/i\u003e operas as her first foray into the deep end of the Wagnerian pool, but every Brünnhilde has a particular opera in which they excel—and hers was always \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e. From her first entrance, she commands the role with astonishing security, not so much as flinching in the face of a high C or the massive orchestra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/b\u003e is a sturdy Siegfried, and \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e is a formidable Hagen. \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e makes an impressive Gutrune, and \u003cb\u003eFranz Mazura\u003c\/b\u003e delivers a regal, if somewhat woolly, Gunther. \u003cb\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/b\u003e keeps the pace of the evening fleet and light. The sound is fair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11441-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292602384520,"sku":"11441-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14715916548,"sku":"MP3 11441-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11441-4front.jpeg?v=1751035770"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-niebelungen-gwyneth-jones-roberta-knie-mcintyre-ridderbusch-mazura-sotin-horst-stein","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Knie, Roberts, Brenneis, Ridderbusch, Mazura, Reynolds; Stein. Bayreuth, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareers are often made on the cancellation of star singers. One such indisposition in the summer of 1974 afforded three budding Wagnerians the opportunity of a lifetime to sing Brünnhilde at Wagner’s own theater. Of the three, the only soprano to go on to international acclaim was \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e, but don’t let that diminish your expectations for \u003cb\u003eRoberta Knie\u003c\/b\u003e, whose steely, athletic soprano feels entirely at home as the \u003ci\u003eWalküre\u003c\/i\u003e Brünnhilde, or \u003cb\u003eBrenda Roberts\u003c\/b\u003e, who delivers one of the most stunning \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e Brünnhildes I have ever heard (she also holds the distinction of being the youngest Brünnhilde in the history of the festival). Why Knie and Roberts did not go on to conquer the world is an entirely different discussion, but captured here at the onset of their careers, they display promise that should have made the more established dramatic sopranos of the day nervous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/b\u003e brings his familiar Siegfried back for another summer and displays a youthful, if somewhat monochromatic, voice that never buckles under the pressure of the orchestra. \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e’s commanding yet avuncular Wotan is in remarkably fresh voice, displaying a beauty of tone that had faded slightly by the time he recorded the role for Philips. The rest of the cast is peppered with excellent cameos, the standouts being \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e’s Fasolt and subsequent Hagen, \u003cb\u003eFranz Mazura\u003c\/b\u003e’s Alberich and subsequent Gunther, a scene-stealing Mime courtesy of \u003cb\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/b\u003e, and an opulent Gutrune from \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConductor \u003cb\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/b\u003e’s masterful touch keeps the operas from ever getting bogged down in the heaviness of Wagner’s orchestration. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11442-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292602351752,"sku":"11442-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14715916804,"sku":"MP3 11442-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/11442-12front.jpeg?v=1751035769"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-excerpts-gwyneth-jones-roberta-knie-mcintyre-ridderbusch-mazura-sotin-horst-stein","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts) - Jones, Cox, McIntyre, Knie, Roberts, Brenneis, Ridderbusch; Stein. Bayreuth, 1974","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCareers are often made on the cancellation of star singers. One such indisposition in the summer of 1974 afforded three budding Wagnerians the opportunity of a lifetime to sing Brünnhilde at Wagner’s own theater. Of the three, the only soprano to go on to international acclaim was \u003cb\u003eGwyneth Jones\u003c\/b\u003e, but don’t let that lower your expectations for \u003cb\u003eRoberta Knie\u003c\/b\u003e, whose steely, athletic soprano seems right at home as the \u003ci\u003eWalküre\u003c\/i\u003e Brünnhilde, or \u003cb\u003eBrenda Roberts\u003c\/b\u003e, who delivers one of the most stunning \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e Brünnhildes I have ever heard (she also holds the distinction of being the youngest Brünnhilde in the history of the festival). Why Knie and Roberts did not go on to conquer the world is an entirely different discussion, but captured here at the onset of their careers, they display promise that should have made the more established dramatic sopranos of the day nervous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eJean Cox\u003c\/b\u003e brings his familiar Siegfried back for another summer and displays a youthful, if somewhat monochromatic, voice that never buckles under the pressure of the orchestra. \u003cb\u003eDonald McIntyre\u003c\/b\u003e’s commanding yet avuncular Wotan is in remarkably fresh voice, displaying a beauty of tone that had faded slightly by the time he recorded the role for Philips. The rest of the cast is peppered with excellent cameos, the standouts being \u003cb\u003eKarl Ridderbusch\u003c\/b\u003e’s Fasolt and subsequent Hagen, \u003cb\u003eFranz Mazura\u003c\/b\u003e’s Alberich and subsequent Gunther, a scene-stealing Mime courtesy of \u003cb\u003eHeinz Zednik\u003c\/b\u003e, and an opulent Gutrune from \u003cb\u003eEva Randová\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConductor \u003cb\u003eHorst Stein\u003c\/b\u003e’s masterful touch keeps the operas from ever getting bogged down in the heaviness of Wagner’s orchestration. 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