Wagner: Das Rheingold - Stewart, Fassbaender, Schreier, Keleman, Stolze, Ridderbusch; Karajan. Salzburg, 1973
$9.95
Description:
This performance of Das Rheingold served as a dry run for Karajan’s planned film of the Ring Cycle. Sadly, that project never progressed beyond Das Rheingold, but it still yielded an interesting counterpoint to Karajan’s earlier Ring effort, with the most notable difference being Thomas Stewart as Wotan. Stewart’s interpretation could not be more different from Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s introspective approach, and while Fischer-Dieskau’s nuance may be missed, Stewart’s formidable vocal presence is undeniably impressive.
Brigitte Fassbaender is an excellent Fricka, bringing imperious poise and vocal opulence. The standout performance, however, comes from Peter Schreier, who delivers Loge’s long monologues with vivid engagement and detail. Gerhard Stolze makes much of his brief appearance as Mime. The sound is very good.
In Stereo
OD 11448-2
