{"title":"WINDGASSEN, Wolfgang","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"der-ring-des-nibelungen-bohm-1965","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Adam, Windgassen, Rysanek, King; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the enormous achievement of the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, Birgit Nilsson always maintained that she preferred her performance on the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e issued by Phillips from the 1966 and 1967 seasons at Bayreuth. She felt that there was an excitement that came through in this live performance which was lost in the many takes that Solti, ever the perfectionist, insisted upon. Although I love the Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, I have always agreed with Nilsson in her assessment that the Böhm's reading had a fire that Solti's technicolor \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e lacked. This performance comes from when the production was new and sports many of the same singers with a few interesting and welcome variations. Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen are simply brilliant as Brünnhilde and Siegfried. There was a chemistry that these two artists had together that created an electricity that was even greater than the sum of their combined artistry. Leonie Rysanek delivers a wild, passionate Sieglinde and she is joined by James King, who in my opinion, is one of the greatest Siegmund's to ever have walked the earth. Theo Adam takes on the younger Wotans while Josef Greindl sings the Wanderer in \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e. This practice has fallen out of favor somewhat, but it works well here since Adam's baritonal Wotan plays much younger than Josef Greindl avuncular yet world-weary bass (in the Phillips version Adam would sing all three Wotans). Other variations in casting from the Phillips release all add up to net gains. Lili Chookasian steps in as Erda and delivers rich earthy tones. Martti Talvela treats us to one of the most suave Hundings you are likely to hear anywhere and Kerstin Meyer takes the place of Martha Mödl as Waltraute. Despite my devotion to Mödl, Meyer's voice is much fresher than Mödl's. To go into depth on all the great singers who participated in this Cycle would take up more room than I permit myself in these blurbs, but additional kudos must go to Anja Silja as Freia, Thomas Stewart as one of the greatest Gunthers ever, Ludmila Dvorakova as Gutrune, and Martti Talvela's dignified Fasolt. Karl Böhm's fleet tempos give Wagner's massive orchestra a lightness that is difficult to achieve and whereas other conductors often get seduced by the lush colors of the orchestration, Böhm always lets the vocal line dictate the pacing, giving the singers a chance to sing the text with an organic quality more akin to the natural cadence of the German. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10910-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292667035784,"sku":"10910-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098661572,"sku":"MP3 10910-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10910-12front.jpg?v=1751037337"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-greindl-wohlfahrt-neidlinger-bohme-chookasian-bohm-bayreuth-1965","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Nilsson, Greindl, Wohlfahrt, Neidlinger, Böhme, Chookasian; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust a year before the famous Philips release of the Böhm \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e, this performance proves to be a very satisfying dry-run. The cast is almost identical with the very notable exception of Josef Greindl as the Wanderer. Greindl's voice could not have been more different than his colleague, Theo Adam, who would take over the role the following year. Greindl was a true bass and with a black color which made him a fantastic Hagen. Surprisingly he displays a softer side as the Elder Wotan and copes remarkably with the higher parts of this role. Wolfgang Windgassen takes the title role. Windgassen sounds as fresh as ever and creates a Siegfried that leans more towards inexperienced hero as opposed to spoiled brat. Birgit Nilsson is well worth the wait in her final scene. The voice seems to have endless power and security on top and she seems to relish holding the final C as long as possible.  It is also worth mentioning Lili Chookasian whose brief appearence as Erda in Act III is quite memorable.  (She was not featured on the Phillips release.)  The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10908-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292666806408,"sku":"10908-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251524,"sku":"MP3 10908-3","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10908-3front.jpg?v=1751037330"},{"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":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Meyer, Waechter, Greindl; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1962","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eKerstin Meyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuther Festspielhaus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 24, 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10071-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292663496840,"sku":"10071-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_802c3189-ba7f-4578-acd9-5ab7ed2ca9f2.png?v=1782509519"},{"product_id":"strauss-elektra-nilsson-rysanek-resnik-wachter-windgassen","title":"Strauss: Elektra - Nilsson, Rysanek, Resnik, Windgassen, Waechter, Janowitz; Böhm.  Vienna, 1965","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nElektra – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChrysothemis – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKlytämnestra – \u003cstrong\u003eRegina Resnik\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOrest – \u003cstrong\u003eEberhard Wächter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAegisth – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nAufseherin – \u003cstrong\u003eDanica Mastilovic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDienerinen – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarita Lilowa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDienerinen – \u003cstrong\u003eMargareta Sjoestedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDienerinen – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarete Ast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDienerinen – \u003cstrong\u003eGundula Janowitz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDienerinen – \u003cstrong\u003eGerda Scheyer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDie Vertraute – \u003cstrong\u003eMargareta Sjoestedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDie Schleppträgerin – \u003cstrong\u003eMargarite Lilowa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDer junge Diener – \u003cstrong\u003eGerhard Unger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDer alte Diener – \u003cstrong\u003eLjubomir Pantscheff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDer Pfleger des Orest – \u003cstrong\u003eFrederick Guthrie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eWien\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eDecember 16, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10076-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292663365768,"sku":"10076-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Strauss-Richard_0f55f530-ebb9-43a4-9e40-de64e9b5edf9.png?v=1782509544"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen-hoffman","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Hoffman, Feldhoff, Talvela; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1969","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Feldhoff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eGrace Hoffmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eReid Bunger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSeemann – \u003cstrong\u003eBengt Rundgren\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEin Hirt – \u003cstrong\u003eHermin Esser\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuther Festspiele\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eJuly 28, 1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Böhm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10143-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292661727368,"sku":"10143-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_93b64c11-f318-4707-9240-2a22a90b31ce.png?v=1782509749"},{"product_id":"wagner-tannhauser-rysanek-windgassen-dvorakova-prey-talvela","title":"Wagner: Tannhäuser - Windgassen Rysanek, Dvorakova, Prey, Talvela; Cluytens.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nTannhäuser – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nElisabeth – \u003cstrong\u003eLeonie Rysanek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nVenus – \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLandgraf Hermann – \u003cstrong\u003eMartti Talvela\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWolfram von Eschenbach – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Prey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBiterolf – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nReinmar von Zweter – \u003cstrong\u003eDieter Slembeck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHeinrich der Schreiber – \u003cstrong\u003eHermann Winkler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWalther von der Vogelweide – \u003cstrong\u003eWilly Hartmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEin junger Hirt – \u003cstrong\u003eOlivera Miljakovic\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eBayreuther Festspiele\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eAugust 5, 1965\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10222-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292658778248,"sku":"10222-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_0c89565e-e6e6-4cc2-ad93-dc9ea31551c0.png?v=1782509936"},{"product_id":"wagner-gotterdammerung-nilsson-windgassen-frick-stewart-solti","title":"Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Nilsson, Windgassen, Frick, Stewart, Collier, Kraus, Jones, Hunter; Solti.  London, 1963","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\u003eIn many respects, this performance of \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/span\u003e can be viewed as a precursor to \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e’s later studio Ring cycle, sharing as it does three of the principal voices: \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eGottlob Frick\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-stolze-solti","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Ward, Nilsson, Stolze, Kraus; Solti.  London, 1962","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch1 class=\"title-header\"\u003eSiegfried\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 with the \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e from the following season, this performance of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e carries the impression of a preparatory effort for the later Decca studio recording. Under \u003cb\u003eGeorg Solti\u003c\/b\u003e, the reading is notably driven—at times strikingly swift, even within the span of three discs—yet the urgency rarely feels imposed for its own sake. Instead, it appears to galvanize the cast, who respond with a marked sense of assurance in their respective roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e brings a notably youthful timbre to the title role, sustaining a freshness of tone that remains intact from beginning to end—no small achievement in so demanding a part. If the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/i\u003e is a marathon, then the Brünnhilde of \u003ci\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/i\u003e is a fifty-yard dash. \u003cb\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/b\u003e seems to relish the challenge of entering at full tilt, as if leaping onto a speeding train without the luxury of warming up on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOne can hardly overstate the artistry of \u003cb\u003eGerhard Stolze\u003c\/b\u003e, whose Mime emerges as both deeply menacing and, at moments, unexpectedly sympathetic. It is a portrayal that deserves far more consistent recognition in discussions of great Wagner singers. \u003cb\u003eDavid Ward\u003c\/b\u003e gives a finely measured performance as Wotan, marked by steadiness and musical intelligence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003chr class=\"mobile-only-hr\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      Siegfried – \u003cstrong\u003eWOLFGANG WINDGASSEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Mime – \u003cstrong\u003eGERHARD STOLZE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Der Wanderer – \u003cstrong\u003eDAVID WARD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Alberich – \u003cstrong\u003eOTAKAR KRAUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Fafner – \u003cstrong\u003eJOSEPH ROULEAU\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Erda – \u003cstrong\u003eRUTH SIEWERT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Brünnhilde – \u003cstrong\u003eBIRGIT NILSSON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Stimme des Waldvogels – \u003cstrong\u003eBARBARA HOLT\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\u003eLondon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Date: \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 7, 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Conductor: \u003cstrong\u003eSir Georg Solti\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Catalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003eOD 10293-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Label: \u003cstrong\u003eOpera Depot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n      Number of Discs: \u003cstrong\u003e3\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":31292656681096,"sku":"10293-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251716,"sku":"MP3 10293-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":51541952037185,"sku":"FLAC 10293-3","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10293-3front.jpg?v=1774618388"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen-topper-hotter-boulez","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Töpper, Andersson, Hotter; Boulez.  Osaka, 1969","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nTristan – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIsolde – \u003cstrong\u003eBirgit Nilsson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKurwenal – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Andersson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBrangäne – \u003cstrong\u003eHertha Töpper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nKönig Marke – \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMelot – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSeemann – \u003cstrong\u003eGeorg Paskuda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEin Hirt – \u003cstrong\u003eSebastien Feiersinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSteuermann – \u003cstrong\u003eGerd Nienstedt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eOsaka\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003e1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003ePierre Boulez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10330-3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292654944392,"sku":"10330-3","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Wagner-Richard_e91c7d0f-c7a7-40e9-8bfc-2e4e4c6a0e07.png?v=1782510322"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-modl-weber-uhde-frantz-jochum","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Mödl, Weber, Frantz, Uhde; Jochum. Roma, 1956","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this towering performance of \u003ci\u003eParsifal\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e brings a searing emotional range and raw dramatic force to the role of Kundry. At the height of her powers, she infuses each phrase with turbulent intensity and inner conflict, her voice alternately slashing and pleading as the narrative demands. Paired with \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, whose Parsifal radiates youthful nobility and growing spiritual awareness, the two create an electrifying dynamic that anchors the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLudwig Weber\u003c\/b\u003e is a stately and dignified Gurnemanz, his resonant bass lending a timeless authority to the part. His long monologues are delivered with such natural inflection and warmth that they seem to suspend time. As Amfortas, \u003cb\u003eFerdinand Frantz\u003c\/b\u003e offers a deeply affecting portrayal marked by both suffering and vocal assurance—his outcries are anguished yet never lose technical control, giving the character both tragic gravity and musical finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder the baton of \u003cb\u003eEugen Jochum\u003c\/b\u003e, the score unfolds with elegiac beauty. His pacing is unhurried but never static, allowing the mystical contours of the music to breathe. Jochum draws glowing colors from the orchestra, illuminating Wagner’s spiritual landscape with both clarity and reverence. The result is a \u003ci\u003eParsifal\u003c\/i\u003e that transcends the theatrical and touches the metaphysical, driven by a cast in peak form and a conductor who grasps the work’s inner radiance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10082-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292654157960,"sku":"10082-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099239492,"sku":"MP3 10082-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50378832183617,"sku":"FLAC 10082-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10082-4front.jpg?v=1751037025"},{"product_id":"beethoven-fidelio-ludmila-dvorakova-wolfgang-windgassen","title":"Beethoven: Fidelio - Dvorakova, Windgassen, Helm, Küster; Körner.  Bern, 1969","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"title-header\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRecording Information\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"two-column-grid\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eCAST\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nDon Pizarro – \u003cstrong\u003eWalter Bachmann\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFlorestan – \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJacquino – \u003cstrong\u003eHorst Küster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nLeonore – \u003cstrong\u003eLudmila Dvorakova\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMarzelline – \u003cstrong\u003eElisabeth Payer-Tucci\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRocco – \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Helm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDon Fernando – \u003cstrong\u003eJakob Keller\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"section-heading\"\u003eDETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nLocation: \u003cstrong\u003eStadttheater Bern\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDate: \u003cstrong\u003eApril 5, 1969\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nConductor: \u003cstrong\u003eEwald Körner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCatalogue Number: \u003cstrong\u003e10354-2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"Streaming","offer_id":31292650258568,"sku":"10354-2","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/Beethoven-Ludwig-van_7e6b7f57-a108-494a-949e-459ee9344432.png?v=1782510468"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-modl-hotter-greindl-knappertsbusch-bayreuth","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Mödl, Hotter, Greindl, Neidlinger, Adam; Knappertsbusch. Bayreuth, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"404\"\u003e\u003cspan data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"38\"\u003eOver the many years that he frequented Bayreuth, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"38\"\u003eHans Knappertsbusch\u003c\/strong\u003e's interpretation of \u003cem data-start=\"59\" data-end=\"69\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e was constantly evolving, making each performance feel fresh and spontaneous despite his meticulous attention to orchestral detail. His willingness to set aside past choices in favor of new insights—whether prompted by different casts, staging concepts, or his own artistic curiosity—results in a reading that feels deeply organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"878\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"449\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/strong\u003e bring a youthful vitality to Parsifal and Kundry, with Mödl delivering a near-flawless performance, embracing the demanding high notes that would challenge her in later years. \u003cstrong data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"643\"\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e’s Gurnemanz is warm and approachable, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"703\"\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e imbues Amfortas with the appropriate anguish yet retains a sense of youth and virility. A fascinating document of Knappertsbusch’s ever-evolving relationship with \u003cem data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"877\"\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"878\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10487-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292645802120,"sku":"10487-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099238980,"sku":"MP3 10487-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"FLAC","offer_id":50240310477121,"sku":"FLAC 10487-4","price":22.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10487-4front.jpg?v=1751036897"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-meistersinger-von-nurnberg-hotter-windgassen-brouwenstijn-fischer-dieskau-cluytens","title":"Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Hotter, Windgassen, Brouwenstijn, Greindl, Fischer-Dieskau; Cluytens. Bayreuth, 1956","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s hard to imagine a more human Hans Sachs than the one brought to life by \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e. One of the hallmarks of any great performer is the ability to make a performance feel like a natural, spontaneous creation—something being conjured up in the moment—and Hotter achieves this effortlessly. Even in his final monologue, as he advises Walther to protect German art, you can hear the smile in his voice and sense the warmth and genuine affection he feels for the young knight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Walther, \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e takes the opportunity to showcase his more lyrical side, which he handles with skill and elegance, while \u003cstrong\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/strong\u003e offers an ethereal and radiant Eva. The cast also boasts standout performances from \u003cstrong\u003eJosef Greindl\u003c\/strong\u003e as a noble Veit Pogner and, in a true luxury, \u003cstrong\u003eDietrich Fischer-Dieskau\u003c\/strong\u003e as Fritz Kothner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndré Cluytens\u003c\/strong\u003e deserves to be counted among the great Wagner conductors of his era. 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From his entrance, effortlessly sailing up to high C (a note almost always omitted), his Siegfried is an explosion of boundless energy which doesn't cease until the final duet. Although Hans Hotter was immortalized on the legendary Solti \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e, he was a last minute replacement for George London and past his prime. This recording preserves him at his finest. Martha Mödl is in astonishing voice in her brief appearance as Brünnhilde. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10785-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633776264,"sku":"10785-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251460,"sku":"MP3 10785-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10785-4front.jpg?v=1751036514"},{"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-ring-excerpts-modl-windgassen-hotter-resnik-vinay-greindl-keilberth","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen EXCERPTS - Mödl, Windgassen, Hotter, Resnik, Vinay, Greindl; Keilberth.  Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe years after the reopening of the Bayreuth Festival after World War II would prove to be some of the greatest in the storied history of Bayreuth. Wieland Wagner brought in fresh talent and made stars out of the likes of Martha Mödl, Wolfgang Windgassen and others. This particular Cycle is an incredibly valuable document for many reasons not least of which it captures Martha Mödl in the relatively shorty window where she was unfettered by vocal crises. That is not to see that there aren't moments when her voice seems to buckle under the pressure but she more than makes up for it by delivering one of the most human Brünnhildes I have ever come across. She plays beautifully off of the Wotan of Hans Hotter and the two create magic in the last act of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e. A fresh-voiced Wolfgang Windgassen sings Siegfried. His interpretation would deepen as his career progressed but no where else does he sound as youthful and fearless in this, the most difficult of all tenor roles. Other highlights of this set include the unexpected Sieglinde of Regina Resnik, paired with fellow fach-straddler, Ramón Vinay as Siegmund. Joseph Keilberth leads a varied and dynamic reading. Moreover there is a sense of intimacy in this performance that really sets it apart from any other \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e that I have heard. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10788-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633710728,"sku":"10788-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099241988,"sku":"MP3 10788-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10788-2front.jpg?v=1751036511"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-modl-windgassen-hotter-resnik-vinay-greindl-neidlinger-uhde-keilberth-bayreuth-1953","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Mödl, Windgassen, Hotter, Resnik, Vinay, Greindl, Neidlinger, Uhde; Keilberth.  Bayreuth, 1953","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe years after the reopening of the Bayreuth Festival after World War II would prove to be some of the greatest in the storied history of Bayreuth. Wieland Wagner brought in fresh talent and made stars out of the likes of Martha Mödl, Wolfgang Windgassen and others. This particular Cycle is an incredibly valuable document for many reasons not least of which it captures Martha Mödl in the relatively shorty window where she was unfettered by vocal crises. That is not to see that there aren’t moments when her voice seems to buckle under the pressure but she more than makes up for it by delivering one of the most human Brünnhildes I have ever come across. She plays beautifully off of the Wotan of Hans Hotter and the two create magic in the last act of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e. A fresh-voiced Wolfgang Windgassen sings Siegfried. His interpretation would deepen as his career progressed but no where else does he sound as youthful and fearless in this, the most difficult of all tenor roles. Other highlights of this set include the unexpected Sieglinde of Regina Resnik, paired with fellow fach-straddler, Ramón Vinay as Siegmund. Joseph Keilberth leads a varied and dynamic reading. Moreover there is a sense of intimacy in this performance that really sets it apart from any other \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e that I have heard. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10787-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292633514120,"sku":"10787-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099175492,"sku":"MP3 10787-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10787-13front.jpg?v=1751036502"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-varnay-hotter-kraus-konwitschny","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Windgassen, Hotter, Varnay, Klein, Kraus; Konwitschny.  London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWolfgang Windgassen was at the absolute peak of his powers when this performance of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e took place and brings a tone that is still youthful in nature with the experience of having sung this role around the world with some of the finest conductors and singers in the history of the Ring. Hans Hotter was a little further along in his career but still in possession of a voice that was both magisterial and approachable. His performance is remarkable for how differently he paints the wizened and world-weary Wanderer from the brash and blustery Wotan of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e (excuse the alliteration. 14 hours of listening to Wagner can do that). Peter Klein as Mime is appropriately wiry while maintaining enough restraint to allow the audience to feel a little bit of sympathy for the dwarf. Astrid Varnay's Brünnhilde is well worth the wait and is successful both with the vocal acrobatics of this short role as well as the lyricism of \u003cem\u003e\"Ewig war ich.\"\u003c\/em\u003e To that point, she is aided by Franz Konwitschny who seems to understand how to accompany a singer even when dealing with the unruly forces of a Wagner orchestra. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10830-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631154824,"sku":"10830-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251844,"sku":"MP3 10830-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10830-4front.jpg?v=1751036455"},{"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-der-ring-des-nibelungen-varnay-hotter-windgassen-shuard-vinay-frick-konwitschny-london-1959","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Varnay, Hotter, Windgassen, Shuard, Vinay, Frick; Konwitschny.   London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this year has been a big year for \u003cem\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/em\u003e. I have now remastered seven complete cycles. Remarkably, I have found that every time I encounter a new performance it is almost like hearing it for the first time and I am amazed given the formidable obstacles in presenting this work, just how malleable it is and, unlike other works, how there will never truly be a definitive interpretation. Even if there is about an hour differential between the timings of Knappertsbusch and Boulez, both points of view seem to work within the context of the drama and highlight different aspects of the score. Konwitschny’s interpretation is no less interesting as well as unique. In general, he favors slower tempi while maintaining the lyricism of the melodic line. His approach is softer in many ways giving the orchestra a feeling of transparency and lightness throughout. His efforts are buttressed by some phenomenal singing. Astrid Varnay delivers one of the finest performances of Brünnhilde I have ever heard her do. Although she had already been singing Wagner for nearly twenty years, and she would soon retire the hochdramatische roles from her repertoire, she approaches the daunting challenges unflinchingly and misses none of the marks. She is joined by Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried. In hearing his performance you really get the sense of what an excellent technician he was. Even if his voice was not truly of the heldentenor ilk, he never pushes it beyond its means maintaining the sweetness of his voice throughout the long evenings. Hans Hotter is captured at the height of both his vocal and interpretive powers. It is hard to envisage what a better Wotan would sound like. The rest of the cast includes Amy Shuard and Ramón Vinay as Siegmund and Sieglinde, respectively, Gottlob Frick as Hagen and Ursula Boese as Fricka. The sound is superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10832-13\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631089288,"sku":"10832-13","price":107.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099187460,"sku":"MP3 10832-13","price":55.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10832-13front.jpg?v=1751036452"},{"product_id":"wagner-ring-excerpts-varnay-hotter-windgassen-shuard-vinay-konwitschny","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (EXCERPTS) - Varnay, Hotter, Windgassen, Shuard, Vinay, Frick; Konwitschny.   London, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this year has been a big year for \u003cem\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/em\u003e. I have now remastered seven complete cycles. Remarkably, I have found that every time I encounter a new performance it is almost like hearing it for the first time and I am amazed given the formidable obstacles in presenting this work, just how malleable it is and, unlike other works, how there will never truly be a definitive interpretation. Even if there is about an hour differential between the timings of Knappertsbusch and Boulez, both points of view seem to work within the context of the drama and highlight different aspects of the score. Konwitschny's interpretation is no less interesting as well as unique. In general, he favors slower tempi while maintaining the lyricism of the melodic line. His approach is softer in many ways giving the orchestra a feeling of transparency and lightness throughout. His efforts are buttressed by some phenomenal singing. Astrid Varnay delivers one of the finest performances of Brünnhilde I have ever heard her do. Although she had already been singing Wagner for nearly twenty years, and she would soon retire the hochdramatische roles from her repertoire, she approaches the daunting challenges unflinchingly and misses none of the marks. She is joined by Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried. In hearing his performance you really get the sense of what an excellent technician he was. Even if his voice was not truly of the heldentenor ilk, he never pushes it beyond its means maintaining the sweetness of his voice throughout the long evenings. Hans Hotter is captured at the height of both his vocal and interpretive powers. It is hard to envisage what a better Wotan would sound like. The rest of the cast includes Amy Shuard and Ramón Vinay as Siegmund and Sieglinde, respectively, Gottlob Frick as Hagen and Ursula Boese as Fricka. The sound is superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10833-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292631056520,"sku":"10833-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099242372,"sku":"MP3 10833-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10833-1front.jpg?v=1751036451"},{"product_id":"wagner-der-ring-des-nibelungen-kuchta-lindholm-windgassen-parly-adam-greindl-rysanek-king-maazel-bayreuth-1968","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Kuchta\/Lindholm, Windgassen\/Parly, Adam\/Greindl; Maazel.  Bayreuth, 1968","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a rare pleasure to come across a complete performance of the \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e. Even without being in the theater, if one takes the time to sit down and listen to the whole thing over the course of a week, one comes out of the experience with a clear idea for both the music director’s and even the stage director’s vision for what is probably the largest work of art ever created. This performance captures a mix of legends like Leonie Rysanek, James King, Helga Dernesch, and Theo Adam, with some artists that, although brilliant, didn’t become superstars. Stand-outs include Gladys Kuchta and Berit Lindholm who split the role of Brünnhilde as well as the Wanderer of Josef Greindl. Greindl mainly stuck to villains like Hagen and Hunding, so hearing him have a chance to be the nice guy as well as sing some nice melodies is a treat. The smaller parts are filled with some incredibly talented singers included the Gutrune and Freia of Helga Dernesch, the Gunther of Thomas Stewart and a cameo appearance featuring Erika Köth as the Forest Bird. The musical direction by Lorin Maazel is simply first rate both for his support of the singers and the overall pacing of the drama, making this one of my favorite live \u003cem\u003eRing Cycles\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10844-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292630499464,"sku":"10844-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099173700,"sku":"MP3 10844-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/products\/10844-12front.jpeg?v=1751036427"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-tristan-windgassen-hoffman-neidlinger-talvela-bohm","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Hoffman, Talvela, Neidlinger; Böhm.  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All in all, this performance comes across as much more satisfying than the legendary DGG release from a few years earlier both from a vocal and interpretive standpoint for both of the singers. Perhaps the knowledge that this was the last time inspired them to even greater heights. Karl Böhm's approach is also a little more relaxed than his usual fast-paced approach. In the supporting roles Grace Hoffman is a very good Brangäne and Martti Talvela makes a stoic, yet sensitive Marke. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10876-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629680264,"sku":"10876-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263620,"sku":"MP3 10876-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10876-3front.jpg?v=1751036398"},{"product_id":"wagner-parsifal-windgassen-modl-von-rohr-neidlinger-leitner","title":"Wagner: Parsifal - Windgassen, Mödl, Von Rohr, Neidlinger, Cramer; Leitner.  Paris, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough in 1954 Europe was still smarting from the atrocities of World War II, in opera, and especially Wagner, a new cultural zeitgeist was emerging. This new ethos, spearheaded in no small part by the efforts of Wieland Wagner, put an artists' skills as an actor on a higher pedestal than before as well as physical credibility in a part. Fortunately there was a fresh crop of singers ready to step up to the plate. Wolfgang Windgassen's heldentenor was remarkable because he was a true tenor and not a pushed up baritone. Accordingly, his Parsifal is much more youthful and he was able to play up the naiveté of the character better than his colleagues. Martha Mödl's vivid performances to a great extent defined the tone of the post-war Bayreuth and her deep commitment inspired a generation of singing-actors. Here her voice is still in good shape and she throws herself into the role of Kundry with reckless abandon. Otto von Rohr's Gurnemanz may not be the most sonorous but he brings a touching human quality to the role. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10885-4\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292629352584,"sku":"10885-4","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099239300,"sku":"MP3 10885-4","price":18.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10885-4front.jpg?v=1751036390"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-frantz-fischer-windgassen-schock-greindl-schuchter","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Frantz, Fischer, Windgassen, Schock, Greindl, Frick; Schüchter.  Hamburg, 1952","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI defy anyone to listen to this recording of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e and provide me with a reason why Ferdinand Frantz should not be regarded as one of the finest Wotan's of the 20th Century. His voice has a youthful, yet commanding quality, completely devoid of the \"Bayreuth bark\" and does not flag during the entire course of the evening. He is joined by a remarkable supporting cast including Wolfgang Windgassen showing his nimbler side as Loge, Res Fisher as Fricka, a fantastic pair of giants in the form of Gottlob Frick and Josef Greindl and even Rudolf Schock as Froh. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10905-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628074632,"sku":"10905-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099157956,"sku":"MP3 10905-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10905-2front.jpg?v=1751036367"},{"product_id":"wagner-das-rheingold-adam-boese-windgassen-neidlinger-silja-bohm","title":"Wagner: Das Rheingold - Adam, Boese, Windgassen, Neidlinger, Silja, Talvela, Böhme; Böhm.  Bayreuth, 1965","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis performance of \u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e is carried to a great extent by the excellent Wotan of Theo Adam. The \u003cem\u003eRheingold\u003c\/em\u003e Wotan suited Adam's youthful baritone the best of all the Ring operas and he delivers a god whose rash ambition is tempered by a dignified bearing; striking an important balance between Wotan's admirable traits and his fatal flaws. He is joined by a fantastic cast down to the last Rhinemaiden. It is a testament to Wolfgang Windgassen's artistry that he didn't mind doing double duty as Loge and the not-so-insignificant role of Siegfried, as Loge, being less strenuous, gives Windgassen a chance to display his considerable skills as an actor. Anja Silja is a wonderful Freia, Martti Talvela delivers a Fasolt with the heart of a poet and Gustav Neidlinger shows why he was the reigning Alberich of the day. One of the highlights is Lili Chookasian's brief but impactful turn as Erda (a welcome variation from the Phillips release which featured Vera Soukupová in this role). The one disappointment is the Fricka of Ursula Boese whose voice comes across as a little monochromatic. The sound is excellent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 10906-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292628041864,"sku":"10906-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099156676,"sku":"MP3 10906-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/10906-2front.jpg?v=1751036366"},{"product_id":"wagner-siegfried-windgassen-nilsson-ward-kelemen-leitner","title":"Wagner: Siegfried - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward; Leitner. Buenos Airies, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eSiegfried\u003c\/em\u003e captures the legendary pairing of Birgit Nilsson and Wolfgang Windgassen at the height of their powers. Wolfgang Windgassen brings youthful vigor to the role of Siegfried. His fundamentally lyrical tenor seems most at home during the introspective moments in Act II, but he is also quite credible during the demanding forging scene. David Ward’s Wanderer is both commanding and avuncular. He is particularly good in Act III where most Wanderers have to resort to barking. Ward, however, maintains the beauty of his baritone even during the most declamatory passages. Many focus on the prodigious vocal gifts of Birgit Nilsson, and for good reason. Her tone is sterling and her production effortless no matter how ludicrous the vocal demands. What is rarely mentioned about Nilsson is how intelligent she was as an artist. Her \u003cem\u003e”Ewig war ich”\u003c\/em\u003e in Act III bears a closer resemblance to a Mozart Rondò in terms of musicality and phrasing than Wagner. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11056-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623847560,"sku":"11056-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099251588,"sku":"MP3 11056-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11056-3front.jpg?v=1751036241"},{"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-der-ring-des-nibelungen-nilsson-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-langdon-leitner-buenos-aires-1967","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman, Langdon; Leitner.  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Her frequent partner Wolfgang Windgassen joins her as Siegfried. Although Windgassen may not have had the same power that Nilsson possessed, he navigated his way through these operas intelligently, never pushing his voice beyond its means or sacrificing the beauty and youthful sheen of his tone. Gwyneth Jones joins us as Sieglinde as well as the Third Norn and Gutrune. If memories of some of her later years may have marred your impression of this great soprano, I would quickly refer you to this performance. Her voice is flawless and she seems perfectly at home in the Wagnerian mold. David Ward delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have come across. Ferdinand Leitner leads a brisk performance and manages to extract some fine playing from the orchestra, the odd missed cue notwithstanding. The performances employ some cuts which can be jarring but also keep the performance moving. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e in Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDie Walküre, Siegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e in Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11058-12\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623782024,"sku":"11058-12","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099185732,"sku":"MP3 11058-12","price":51.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11058-12front.jpg?v=1751036238"},{"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-der-ring-nibelungen-highlights-nilsson-windgassen-ward-jones-hoffman-leitner","title":"Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts) - Nilsson, Windgassen, Ward, Jones, Hoffman; Leitner.  Buenos Aires, 1967","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen one thinks of the various hubs of Wagner in the world (i.e. Vienna, Bayreuth, New York) Buenos Aires seems a rather illogical addition. However, this particular \u003cem\u003eRing\u003c\/em\u003e will attest that even if the Argentinians may have been lacking in the polish of some of the previous mentioned houses, they knew how to mount a \u003cem\u003eRing Cycle\u003c\/em\u003e that could rival any in the norther hemisphere. Their efforts are aided to a large part by a spectacular cast. Birgit Nilsson sings all three of the Brünnhildes with shocking ease. It is truly extraordinary how a voice can have both the thrust and the beauty that she possessed. Throughout the many hours of singing, she is able to unleash laser-like high notes and then spin a legato line as if she were singing a Mozart aria without even a hint of fatigue. Her frequent partner Wolfgang Windgassen joins her as Siegfried. Although Windgassen may not have had the same power that Nilsson possessed, he navigated his way through these operas intelligently, never pushing his voice beyond its means or sacrificing the beauty and youthful sheen of his tone. Gwyneth Jones joins us as Sieglinde as well as the Third Norn and Gutrune. If memories of some of her later years may have marred your impression of this great soprano, I would quickly refer you to this performance. Her voice is flawless and she seems perfectly at home in the Wagnerian mold. David Ward delivers one of the most beautifully sung Wotans I have come across. Ferdinand Leitner leads a brisk performance and manages to extract some fine playing from the orchestra, the odd missed cue notwithstanding. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDas Rheingold\u003c\/em\u003e in Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDie Walküre, Siegfried\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eGötterdämmerung\u003c\/em\u003e in Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11059-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292623192200,"sku":"11059-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099188676,"sku":"MP3 11059-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11059-1front.jpg?v=1751036214"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-nilsson-windgassen-rossl-majden-neidlinger-hotter-karajan-milano-1959","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde - Nilsson, Windgassen, Rössl-Majden, Neidlinger, Hotter; Karajan. Milano, 1959","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis recording of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e captures Birgit Nilsson just before she had asserted her world-wide domination of Richard Wagner. There have been many sopranos who may have had voices as large, but what separated Nilsson from the rest was the effortless quality she brought to some of the most formidable vocal demands as well as her ability to convey the many delicate moments which often get lost. Wolfgang Windgassen lends his virile tenor to the role of Tristan. Although it is a matter of debate whether or not Windgassen was a true Heldentenor, what cannot be disputed is the intelligence he brings to this part, deftly pacing his way through the piece without ever sounding “careful.” Hans Hotter assumes the role of Marke after having sung Kurwenal with Karajan at Bayreuth seven years prior. The orchestra, under the masterful baton of Herbert von Karajan, delivers some of the most memorable playing (the odd missed note notwithstanding) I have ever heard. If technically the La Scala orchestra is not at the same level of some of the other orchestras of the world, they make up for it with some supremely romantic playing particularly from the strings who are unabashed in their usage of portamentos. Also, the crescendos that Karajan is able to extract from the ensemble go beyond simply going from loud to louder; they seem to come from the innermost depths of the players’ souls and make for some very powerful moments. The sound is very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11108-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292621783176,"sku":"11108-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099263044,"sku":"MP3 11108-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11108-3front_08871c00-d528-4ed9-b430-fc471da5f05f.jpg?v=1751036185"},{"product_id":"compilation-karl-bohm-meistersinger-ring-tristan-barbiere-aida-macbeth-elektra","title":"Compilation: Karl Böhm - Excerpts from Barbiere, Aida, Macbeth, Tristan, Meistersinger, The Ring and Much More!","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen considering the great conductors of the 20th century, it is surprising how seldom Karl Böhm’s name is brought up. He may have lacked some of the finer points of being a “star” conductor. His personality wasn’t as flashy, he didn’t have public feuds with other artists and his interpretations lacked the mannerisms and instantaneously recognizable hallmarks of some of his colleagues. The genius of Karl Böhm’s contribution lies much further than skin deep which is one of the reasons why his interpretations are so enduring. Always a friend to singers, he would pace his tempi according to the strengths of the artist, whereas other conductors would remain entrenched in their preconceived notions of the piece no matter how audibly it would affect the folks tasked with executing those notions. This was particularly true in Wagner and he must have seemed a breath of fresh air with his fleet readings of \u003cem\u003eTristan\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Ring\u003c\/em\u003e during an era when other conductors were embracing a more ponderous approach. This compilation is meant to celebrate the versatility and musical honesty of the venerated maestro on the occasion of his 120th birthday. It includes arias and excerpts from \u003cem\u003eLe Nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Tannhäuser, Tristan und Isolde, Der Ring des Nibelungen, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Macbeth, Aida, Ariadne auf Naxos, Elektra\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWozzeck\u003c\/em\u003e as well as highlighting his collaborations with artists like Birgit Nilsson, Leonie Rysanek, Christa Ludwig, James King and Anja Silja to name a few.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11144-2\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292619849864,"sku":"11144-2","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14098641156,"sku":"MP3 11144-2","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11144-2front_122ef900-45ac-49a6-877b-708b1d42ffbe.jpg?v=1751036136"},{"product_id":"wagner-die-walkure-m-dl-hotter-windgassen-brouwenstijn-greindl-keilberth-barcelona-bayreuth-on-tour-1955","title":"Wagner: Die Walküre - Mödl, Hotter, Windgassen, Brouwenstijn, Greindl; Keilberth. 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This performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Walküre\u003c\/em\u003e, however, captures Mödl on a day when her voice was in fine form, offering not only her signature magnetism but also some truly remarkable vocal moments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe is joined by \u003cstrong\u003eHans Hotter\u003c\/strong\u003e as Wotan, who sounds as majestic as ever, delivering a deeply poignant farewell. \u003cstrong\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Siegmund, brings a slightly darker hue to his voice than in later years, while \u003cstrong\u003eGré Brouwenstijn\u003c\/strong\u003e portrays an impassioned and heartfelt Sieglinde.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoseph Keilberth\u003c\/strong\u003e conducts with a slightly slower pace, highlighting the subtle intricacies of Wagner’s richly detailed orchestration. The sound is good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11176-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292616016008,"sku":"11176-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099210308,"sku":"MP3 11176-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11176-3front.jpg?v=1751036101"},{"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-tristan-und-isolde-gertrud-grob-prandl-wolfgang-windgassen-gottlob-frick-moralt","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Act II) - Windgassen, Grob-Prandl, Frick; Moralt. 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He charts the emotions expertly, allowing Marke's rage to subtly temper his grief and delivering his heartbreak without a trace of self-pity. \u003cb\u003eMargarete Klose\u003c\/b\u003e gives a clarion, hushed rendition of Brangäne's warning, and \u003cb\u003eKarl Kamman\u003c\/b\u003e is a piercing Melot. \u003cb\u003eRudolf Moralt\u003c\/b\u003e conducts the forces of the Grand Théâtre de Genève in an unflaggingly intense performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11203-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615065736,"sku":"11203-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099257412,"sku":"MP3 11203-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11203-1front.jpg?v=1751036066"},{"product_id":"wagner-tristan-und-isolde-martha-modl-wolfgang-windgassen-grace-hoffman","title":"Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Act II) - Mödl, Windgassen, Hoffman, von Rohr; Leitner. London, 1955","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn unfortunate break in the audio mars this otherwise exemplary recording of the second act of \u003cem\u003eTristan und Isolde\u003c\/em\u003e. With about ten minutes of music missing from the love duet, what remains shows both \u003cb\u003eMartha Mödl\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e at the height of their considerable powers. \u003cb\u003eFerdinand Leitner\u003c\/b\u003e delves deep into the score's mystical, time-stopping stillness, and when daylight and shame arrive, it is shattering in its intensity. \u003cb\u003eGrace Hoffman\u003c\/b\u003e makes much of Brangäne's anguished lines in the opening scene, and it is a terrible shame her warning to the lovers is among the missing music. \u003cb\u003eOtto von Rohr\u003c\/b\u003e is a noble, world-weary Marke, and \u003cb\u003eGustav Neidlinger\u003c\/b\u003e is on hand for Melot's few wheedling interjections. The sound is very good, if a little distant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11204-1\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292615032968,"sku":"11204-1","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099259396,"sku":"MP3 11204-1","price":5.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11204-1front.jpg?v=1751036065"},{"product_id":"strauss-die-frau-ohne-schatten-trude-eipperle-wolfgang-windgassen-res-fischer-ferdinand-leitner","title":"Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten - Eipperle, Windgassen, Kinasiewicz, Fischer, von Rohr; Leitner. Stuttgart, 1954","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDescription:\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you can forgive the sonic failings of this recording, you will find a compelling and unique performance of \u003cem\u003eDie Frau ohne Schatten\u003c\/em\u003e. The most well-known singer in the cast is \u003cb\u003eWolfgang Windgassen\u003c\/b\u003e, and although he would go on to dominate the world of Wagner, he sang very little Strauss. He manages the high tessitura of the Emperor with impressive skill, maintaining the core of his lyrical instrument without pushing. \u003cb\u003eTrude Eipperle\u003c\/b\u003e as the Empress is ravishing, the beauty of her shimmering soprano matched only by its power. \u003cb\u003eRes Fischer\u003c\/b\u003e seems to enjoy the Amme’s conniving without descending into pure camp. As mentioned above, the sound is not the best, particularly in Act III. The beginning of Act III is missing before the Färberin’s big scene, and the last few minutes of the opera are also lost. I have included the final quartet from a performance featuring \u003cb\u003eIngrid Bjoner\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eSebastian Feiersinger\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003cb\u003eGladys Kuchta\u003c\/b\u003e, and \u003cb\u003eMino Yahia\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Mono\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOD 11262-3\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Opera Depot","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":31292609822856,"sku":"11262-3","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"MP3","offer_id":14099044484,"sku":"MP3 11262-3","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/files\/11262-3front.jpg?v=1751035981"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0238\/9583\/collections\/Windgassen-Wolfgang.png?v=1749781812","url":"https:\/\/operadepot.com\/collections\/wolfgang-windgassen.oembed?page=6","provider":"Opera Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}