Keilberth gets things off to a brisk beginning with his moody, atmospheric prelude, soon joined by the three terrific Rhinedaughters. Zimmermann 's voice shines on Woglinde's top line and Ludwig and Töpper are just as assertive and characterful lower down. Neidlinger begins his long Bayreuth career showing why he was considered by many to be the greatest Alberich in the world. His voice has a vocal thumbprint: it is instantly recognizable.Uhde is wonderful as the arrogant young Wotan, the voice ringing and splendid (listen to the squillo on the top F at "So grüss ich die Burg" towards the end of the opera). Malaniuk is not a Fricka to be trifled with and Witte is a great Loge. The two giants have distinctive voices so it's much easier to tell them apart. Borkh is heard here in her only Bayreuth season (she sings Sieglinde too). She's a good Freia although some of her top notes fly a bit sharp. Bugarinovic has a lovely, steady contralto as Erda and is most impressive. Kuën sings more of his role than he would in subsequent seasons. Windgassen and Faulhaber are luxury casting as Froh and Donner (Faulhaber unfortunately died young in an accident). The level of casual vocal accomplishment in this cast is incredible; rarely is anything like this heard today.The sound is superb: rich, warm, and on pitch. Onto Die Walküre!