Wagner

Das Rheingold

McIntyre, Reynolds, Esser, Neidlinger, Zednik, Ridderbusch, Moll; Stein
Bayreuth, 1975

Regular price $17.95
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Das Rheingold

As Wotan, Donald McIntyre strikes a perfect balance between grandeur, eloquence, charm, greed, and ambition. He is joined by a stellar ensemble cast, including Anna Reynolds, who brings a sensitive vulnerability to Fricka, moving away from the character's typical shrewishness, and the outstanding Loge of Hermin Esser. Gustav Neidlinger’s Alberich may lack some of the brute force seen in other portrayals, but his characterization—much like McIntyre's—feels more nuanced and at times surprisingly sympathetic. Horst Stein’s conducting is fluid and meticulous, guiding the orchestra with subtlety so that it never overshadows the singers. The sound quality is generally strong, though there are a few brief moments of skipping.

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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Excellent Performance in Very Good Sound!

This was the last year of the Wolfgang Wagner Ring production (the next year some director named Patrice Chereau would take over). We have a new Wotan in Donald McIntyre who, very likely, was being tested to see whether or not he would work out in the centennial production. He did very well indeed and sings and acts very convincingly here, the voice less wooly than it could be. Some of the other singers would return the next year (Ridderbusch, Kawahara, Schwarz, Zednik), but most of the casting would be new. Everyone performs up to the standards. I would single out Gerd Nienstedt as a suitably macho Donner and Heribert Steinbach as lyrical Froh. A young Rachel Yakar is a lovely Freia. The Rhinedaughters make an excellent trio. Stein has pulled everything together into a natural, organic whole.The sound is very good, but there is some odd jumping ahead that is annoying (especially in the opening prelude!). I've heard it in other broadcasts and I don't what it's all about. It doesn't last long though so it's not really a problem.Onward to Die Walküre!
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