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One of the most notable and welcome additions to the cast of Siegfried during this production’s debut was René Kollo in the title role. Kollo’s voice effortlessly meets both the lyrical and dramatic demands of the role, something Manfred Jung - who took over the role for the recording - couldn’t quite achieve. Gwyneth Jones also shines brighter here than in the later revival, treating the audience to some stunning high Cs that could easily rival those of Nilsson.

Donald McIntyre delivers a standout performance, appearing more at ease as the Wanderer than in any other opera of the cycle. Heinz Zednik is superb as Mime, bringing depth and precision to the character. The sound quality is excellent, adding to the overall experience.

Of note, this performance had its share of audience drama. The anti-Chéreau contingent was out in force, with one particularly vocal dissenter bringing a whistle and cheekily accompanying Siegfried’s reed-making scene, much to the amusement and frustration of the rest of the audience. Fortunately, they settled down for the remainder of the opera, allowing the brilliance of the performance to shine through uninterrupted.

OD 10748-3