Description:

Alberto Remedios may not be the most stentorian Siegfried, but I confidently assert that his performance is one the most beautifully sung Siegfried I have ever heard. He emphasizes the lyrical nature of the role, often overshadowed by its dramatic demands.

One of the most notable differences from the commercial set is the Wanderer, portrayed here by Don Garrard. His voice possesses an elegance that Norman Bailey’s lacked, though to be fair, Garrard’s interpretation feels slightly more restrained compared to Bailey’s dynamic presence.

The Siegfried Brünnhilde, though shorter than her counterparts in other Ring operas, remains a formidable challenge for any soprano. Rita Hunter rises to the occasion effortlessly, delivering precise high notes, opulent tone, and radiant beauty, making this demanding role appear deceptively easy.

Gregory Dempsey’s Mime exemplifies everything remarkable about a great English tenor and character artist. His nuanced attention to the text is so extraordinary that at times, it evokes the feeling of a Vaughan Williams art song. He balances sympathy and revulsion in his portrayal with impressive finesse. Similarly, Derek Hammond-Stroud as Alberich paints the character with broader strokes, delivering a performance rich in intensity and depth.

A special mention must go to the woodbird, sung by the incomparable Valerie Masterson, a delightful addition and a significant improvement over the EMI recording.

As exceptional as the individual performances are, the overall production surpasses the sum of its parts. This is due in no small part to the chemistry among the performers, many of whom had long-standing relationships—Rita Hunter and Alberto Remedios, for example, were schoolmates—and the masterful direction of Reginald Goodall.

Wagner’s music, when performed at the deliberate tempos chosen here, can feel lethargic in less capable hands. However, Goodall manages to slow time while maintaining forward momentum. His approach allows the singers to luxuriate in their vocal lines and reveals the intricate beauty of Wagner’s harmonies and orchestration.

The sound quality is excellent, ensuring every word of the English text is clearly audible. The only minor flaw is the occasional scratchiness at the beginning of Act I, likely a result of the transfer from LP. For those who remember well-loved records, this is a nostalgic quirk. The remainder of the performance is free of such imperfections.

This production is a treasure, offering a deeply satisfying blend of vocal mastery, ensemble chemistry, and inspired conducting. It is a must-have for Wagner enthusiasts and lovers of English opera alike.

OD 10645-4