Stein is one of, if not the most "great-Underrated Wagner Conductor ever - because of the 'Laws' of the International marketing of Classical Music Market, Stein could not be recognized to be as great as all his 1950/60s Bayreuth predecessors, because that is exactly what he was, if not far more than that - rarely has someone show such mastery and understanding of the Wagnerian Style - For me, this Walküre does not fit into the 'Desert Island' category, because Stewart and Ligendza - good as they are . are simply not fitted to face the challenges of their roles (He is much of a Verdian voice, fisiologically speaking, and she had some issues with his upper register, that were not quite solved).To honor Stein, one must be glad that the sound of this performance is awe inspiring, truthful (most likely a NHK rebroadcast - I got many of those...).If Opera Depot would be able to get hold of the Stein Bayreuth 'Rings' 1973 on, then we would have perfect performances, because then we would have Adam and Jones, instead of Stewart and Ligendza.

It was so easy to take these singers for granted. Everyone here, down to the last Valkyrie, displays a vocal competence that is almost unheard of today. The first act is one of the most exciting I've heard in a while. There are roars of bravos at the end of each act that are completely deserved.Ligendza was not well-known here in the United States (she was supposed to sing Isolde at the Met in 1974, but declined to come causing consternation on the part of the management). Hers isn't the most individual of portrayals, but she has no trouble with any of the music. In fact, her opening "Ho-jo-to-jo!" is thrilling; she does as well throughout the rest of her portrayal. Reynolds was appreciated as Fricka, but she would be a star today. Her Fricka is imperious and regal, yet doesn't descend into shrewishness. Stewart was always good and he is much more than that here. The eight Walküren are some of the best, steadiest voices I've heard in this music. Leslie Johnsin is a stand-out as Helmwige with her strong, clear top line. She only sang this one season at Bayreuth - what happened to her? I haven't been able to track down any biographical information about her. The orchestra is wonderful as is Stein's conducting. The sound is excellent broadcast stereo with no glitches. Onto Siegfried!

I chose this because of Ligendza as I so love her as Isolde with Carlos Kleiber. The rest of the cast were known quantities to me. James King and Gwyneth Jones certainly get things off to a thrilling start. Ligendza’s war cry is fantastic and she nails every note. I like her a lot as Brünnhilde. I enjoy that she seems to throw herself into the role and there are slightly wild moments which add to the excitement for me. Maybe not quite on the level of Lindholm in the 1970 Bayreuth Ring - thanks Andy - but comparisons are never good. They both bring something exciting and committed to their performances and we can enjoy them all! Recommended. These 70’s Bayreuth performances were what woke me up to Wagner. I must have heard this performance too but they get a bit mixed up.......it’s great to be able to hear them all again.

Even when the Nilsson/Windgassen times in Bayreuth were over, there still were great performances.The warm voice of Ligendza, James King, one of the best Siegmunds I heard, Ridderbusch, Stewart: a high-class Wagner-ensemble at that time. Also very good sound in Flac format.