This is definitely the Rheingold to buy. The performances are excellent and the sound is fantastic. I also love the Moralt performance but this is the stereo version to get.

As Andy has pointed out elsewhere, this Rheingold was the starting point for the complete cycle recorded by Philips during 1966-67. I suspect there were some additional rehearsal and patching sessions involved before the entire cycle was released in 1973. Nonetheless this Rheingold is truly excellent with strong performances from everyone involved. The Rhinemaiden trio is an exceptionally harmonious one, with each singer blending well and yet creating her own character. Neidlinger is, as always, a superb Alberich. For whatever reason he doesn't perform the scripted laugh at the end of the first scene. He did it in 1965 and the following year (under Suitner) - did a Bohm or a Philips executive ask him not to? Talvela and Bohme are well contrasted as the giants. Bohme's contempt and loathing is particularly notable in the scene where he murders his brother. Adam and Windgassen are terrific both vocally and dramatically. Burmeister is a scorching Fricka, Soukupova a beautiful, sexy Erda. One critic commented years ago that from the condition of her voice Silja sounded like she hadn't been eating her golden apples. I think she sounds suitability frantic. Bohm leads a very quick performance (the opening prelude is the fastest I've heard), one that moves forward without dawdling.The sound is good broadcast stereo with the occasional very mild radio crackle. The published Philips account is smoother, but less involving than this less polished account.Onto Walkure!