Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Varnay, Välkki, Adam, Hotter, Hopf, Frick, Uhl, Wiener, Hoffman; Kempe. Bayreuth, 1963
$55.95
Description:
This Ring cycle offers a fascinating array of vocal personalities, anchored by the presence of two Brünnhildes. Anita Välkki brings a fresh, youthful brilliance to Die Walküre, while Astrid Varnay, a seasoned interpreter of the role, draws on enormous dramatic reserves to deliver commanding performances in Siegfried and Götterdämmerung.
The Wotan mantle is shared among three iconic bass-baritones: Theo Adam in Das Rheingold, Hans Hotter—still deeply expressive in Die Walküre—and Otto Wiener, whose nuanced take in Siegfried adds unexpected dimension. Gottlob Frick's Hagen is a masterclass in malevolence—his presence as chilling and unforgettable as any great cinematic villain. The supporting cast includes Franz Crass as a noble Fasolt, Grace Hoffman as a commanding Fricka, and Otakar Kraus as a superbly etched Alberich, equal parts menace and pathos.
The one notable weak link is Jutta Meyfarth, whose Sieglinde does not rise to the vocal or interpretive level of her colleagues.
In Mono
OD 11540-13
