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Das Rheingold
This Das Rheingold features an all-star ensemble under the assured direction of Rudolf Kempe. At the center of it all is Gerhard Stolze, whose Loge bursts with character and energy, infusing Wagner's text with vivid, often biting wit. Hertha Töpper lends a sultry elegance to Fricka, elevating the role beyond its usual scolding tone. Otakar Kraus is a commanding presence as Alberich, singing with such conviction that the character's menace becomes almost sympathetic in its desperation. The supporting cast includes Thomas Stewart as a virile Donner and Ingrid Bjoner as a radiant Freia.
Hermann Uhde, in the role of Wotan, delivers a less compelling performance. His interpretation lacks nuance, and there are moments where the upper reaches of the voice seem strained.
Track List
Das Rheingold
1. Vorspiel
2. Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle
3. Lugt, Schwestern! Die Weckerin lacht in den Grund.
4. Der Welt Erbe gewänne zu eigen
5. Wotan, Gemahl, erwache!
6. Hilf mir, Schwester! Schütze mich, Schwäher!
7. Sanft schloß Schlaf dein Aug'
8. Endlich Loge! Eiltest du so
9. Immer ist Undank Loges Lohn!
10. Ein Tand ist's in des Wassers Tiefe
11. Hör', Wotan, der Harrenden Wort!
12. Über Stock und Stein zu Tal stapfen sie hin
13. Auf, Loge, hinab mit mir!
14. Hehe! Hehe! Hieher! Hieher! Tückischer Zwerg!
2. Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle
3. Lugt, Schwestern! Die Weckerin lacht in den Grund.
4. Der Welt Erbe gewänne zu eigen
5. Wotan, Gemahl, erwache!
6. Hilf mir, Schwester! Schütze mich, Schwäher!
7. Sanft schloß Schlaf dein Aug'
8. Endlich Loge! Eiltest du so
9. Immer ist Undank Loges Lohn!
10. Ein Tand ist's in des Wassers Tiefe
11. Hör', Wotan, der Harrenden Wort!
12. Über Stock und Stein zu Tal stapfen sie hin
13. Auf, Loge, hinab mit mir!
14. Hehe! Hehe! Hieher! Hieher! Tückischer Zwerg!
15. Wer hälfe mir?
16. Hieher! Dorthin! Hehe! Hoho!
17. Was wollt ihr hier?
18. Wen doch faßte nicht Wunder
19. Ohe! Ohe! Schreckliche Schlange
20. Da, Vetter, sitze du fest!
21. O schändliche Schmach!
22. Bin ich nun frei?
23. Fasolt und Fafner nahen von fern
24. Gepflanzt sind die Pfähle nach Pfandes Maß
25. Weiche, Wotan! Weiche!
26. Zu mir, Freia! Du bist befreit
27. He da! He da! He do!
28. Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge
29. Rheingold! Rheingold! Reines Gold!
16. Hieher! Dorthin! Hehe! Hoho!
17. Was wollt ihr hier?
18. Wen doch faßte nicht Wunder
19. Ohe! Ohe! Schreckliche Schlange
20. Da, Vetter, sitze du fest!
21. O schändliche Schmach!
22. Bin ich nun frei?
23. Fasolt und Fafner nahen von fern
24. Gepflanzt sind die Pfähle nach Pfandes Maß
25. Weiche, Wotan! Weiche!
26. Zu mir, Freia! Du bist befreit
27. He da! He da! He do!
28. Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge
29. Rheingold! Rheingold! Reines Gold!
Customer Reviews
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5.0
Based on 2 reviews
✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Correction to Below
The 1960-64 Ring production was directed by Wolfgang Wagner, not his brother Wieland. Wieland's second Bayreuth Ring began in 1965 and ran through 1969. I confused the two names in my review below. My apologies to both Wagner brothers.
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✓ Top Reviewer
United States
Great Performance, Excellent Sound!
This makes an auspicious beginning to Kempe's 1960 Bayreuth Ring cycle. The three Rhinedaughters are superb (with Siebert as an especially fetching Woglinde) and Kraus is a vivid, desperate Alberich. The opening scene is one of the most magical I've heard in a while. Uhde sings very handsomely as Wotan though his laughter during various episodes is perhaps overdone (no doubt done at Wieland Wagner's behest). Still his "Abendlich strahlt" brings the evening to a triumphant vocal conclusion. Topper certainly shows why she was a favorite in Germany and Stolze is at his freshest here without the mannerisms that would intrude later on. Paskuda sings Froh's few lines sweetly, Stewart makes a suitably macho Donner and Bjoner actually makes Freia into more than the whining neurotic she's usually portrayed as. The two giants are well contrasted vocally (Roth-Ehrang would sing Fafner in this production until Wieland Wagner's new production in 1965). Hoffgen and Kraus are also convincing in their brief roles. Kempe leads a marvelously fluid, well-paced performance.The sound is excellent. I'm looking forward to the rest of this cycle.
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