Der Ring des Nibelungen (Excerpts)

Richard Wagner (1813–1883)

DESCRIPTION

In this, the second year of post-war Bayreuth, Joseph Keilberth faced the challenge of following Herbert von Karajan’s triumphant Ring of the previous summer. Keilberth proves fully equal to the task, offering a reading of remarkable insight and sensitivity, often drawing attention to the exquisite delicacy of Wagner’s orchestral palette. Astrid Varnay returns as Brünnhilde with a portrayal that balances youthful abandon with a vocal and dramatic sophistication beyond her years. (At only 34, she had already been singing Wagnerian roles for over a decade.) Hans Hotter brings ease and depth to both the Walküre and Siegfried Wotans, while Hermann Uhde takes the role in Das Rheingold. Uhde’s voice offers greater robustness and elegance, while Hotter’s interpretation is distinguished by its psychological nuance.

Other notable contributions include Bernd Aldenhoff’s virile and expressive Siegfried, Inge Borkh’s luxuriant Sieglinde, and a chillingly effective Hagen from Josef Greindl. The cast is further enriched by the presence of Martha Mödl as Gutrune and the Third Norn.

CAST

Wotan (Das Rheingold) – Hermann Uhde
Fricka – Ira Malaniuk
Alberich – Gustav Neidlinger
Hunding – Josef Greindl
Siegmund – Günther Treptow
Wotan (Die Walküre) – Hans Hotter
Brünnhilde – Astrid Varnay
Siegfried – Bernd Aldenhoff
Mime – Paul Kuen
Waltraute – Ira Malaniuk
Der Wanderer – Hans Hotter
Gutrune – Martha Mödl
Hagen – Josef Greindl
Gunther – Hermann Uhde

DETAILS

Location: Bayreuth
Date: 1952
Conductor: Joseph Keilberth
Catalogue Number: OD 12321-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono