Heinz Wallberg does not waste any time. His tempos are fast and to the point yet he tells the story without cheating anything. His singers all know their roles well and are fully involved in the drama. Hotter is no longer in his vocal prime, but it hardly matters so authoritative is he. Boese sings Fricka well though she doesn't do a lot with the text. Pernerstorfer is also past his vocal best, but he still manages a bitter, well-articulated account of his role. Uhl is a superb Loge, both giants are distinctive, and Hoffgen shows why she was considered the world's best Erda at the time. The Rhinedaughters make an uncommonly strong trio (Myrtha Gabbarini has a strong top C for the climaxes). The sound is excellent, unintentionally exposing the mediocre orchestral playing.I'm looking forward to the rest of this cycle!