Wagner: Die Walküre (In English) - Hunter, June, Bailey, Remedios, Howard, Grant; Goodall. ENO, 1970
$32.95
Description:
Reginald Goodall’s legendary English Ring as well as admirers of Wagner, English-speaking or not. The cast, full of youthful energy, seems to relish the opportunity to perform Wagner in their native language.
As Brünnhilde, Rita Hunter's top notes gleam, and she maintains the purity of her tone without ever compromising for volume—not that she needs to. Her voice is enormous and effortlessly powerful. Alberto Remedios brings a youthful ardor and an attractive tone to Siegmund. His achievement in this role is particularly impressive, considering he would perform as Siegfried just a few nights later.
Norman Bailey is more avuncular than regal as Wotan, but his impeccable diction and heartfelt delivery make the final scene particularly moving. Ava June is a notable addition to the cast, as she was not featured in the EMI recording. I find her performance preferable to Margaret Curphey’s; her voice is slender yet steely at the top and pairs wonderfully with Remedios.
Goodall’s conducting, though unhurried, enhances the drama's momentum, allowing the music and text to breathe. The sound quality is good.
OD 10563-4
