This was the first Rheingold of 1977 which would be part of a complete cycle.In fact Sawallisch conducted 4 Ring Cycles during 1977 but none better than this one. A great cast of singers and the rare chance to hear a real heldentenor singing Loge. Hofmann did not sing this too often, probably he became too expensive for casting once he reached his zenith. So this is something to savour. His scenes with Wotan and Alberich are superbly drawn.Leif Roar and Zoltan Keleman sang opposite each other often and were tremendous together in this performance. Fassbaender is great as Fricka.Sawallisch was one of the finest Ring conductors of all and here he is at his best. the only reason this does not get 5 stars is because the sound is less than the best, however it is very listenable.

Sawallisch compels us onward through this very well sung Rheingold. The supporting characters are staffed with excellent Munich regulars (we are not told who sings Donner, but he's equally good).Leif Roar is a fine W otan, singing with steady, burnished tone. Brigitte Fassbaender is quite a presence as Fricka, Ortrun Wenkel repeats her fine Erda, and Keleman and Unger are terrific as the Nibelung brothers. Peter Hofmann shows he really could sing before his voice began to fall apart just a couple of years later. We also get a first-class trio of Rhinemaidens. Everyone declaims the text vividly.The sound is good though when characters move upstage they can sound a bit recessed. This sounds like it derives from house tapes. I'm grateful to have this performance nonetheless.