Wagner: Die Walküre - Varnay, Hotter, Rysanek, Vickers, Gorr, Greindl; Knappertbusch. Bayreuth, 1958

$16.95

Listen to a Sample:

In 1958 Astrid Varnay was 40 years old, an age when dramatic sopranos start to consider singing the role of Brünnhilde. Except Varnay had been singing it for almost two decades and that experience is on display in this performance. She knows how to navigate all of the vocal challenges and there is an overall sense that this part is completely in her body, mind and heart.
Leonie Rysanek was only just into her 30s but, like Varnay, she got a headstart on the role of Sieglinde, having been chosen by Karajan at the age of 23 to open the first post-War Bayreuth season. She brings all of her signature abandon and soaring vocal beauty to a role that will forever be associated with her name.
Rysanek is well-paired with Jon Vickers who matches her in intensity and vocal nuance.
Rita Gorr makes much of her brief appearance as Fricka.