Die Walküre

Richard Wagner (1813–1883)

DESCRIPTION

Astrid Varnay brings a freshness of tone to the role of Brünnhilde, coupled with seemingly inexhaustible vocal reserves. Yet, as compelling as her displays of power may be, it is in the tender moments of Act III that her artistry truly emerges, when the Valkyrie exterior recedes to reveal the vulnerability of a daughter confronting her father. In this 1952 performance, Hans Hotter offers an interpretation of Wotan largely unmarred by the "woffiness" that would color his later portrayals; his baritone remains elegant and responsive, allowing him to explore the god’s wrath with striking freedom. Inge Borkh delivers a luxuriant Sieglinde, whose intensity finds a worthy counterpart in Günther Treptow's full-bodied Siegmund.

CAST

Siegmund – Günther Treptow
Sieglinde – Inge Borkh
Brünnhilde – Astrid Varnay
Hunding – Josef Greindl
Fricka – Ira Malaniuk
Wotan – Hans Hotter
Gerhilde – Paula Brivkalne
Ortlinde – Irmgard Meinig
Waltraute – Hanna Ludwig
Schwertleite – Ruth Siewert
Helmwige – Lieselotte Thomamüller
Siegrune – Hertha Töpper
Grimgerde – Melanie Bugarinovic
Roßweiße – Trude Roesler

DETAILS

Location: Bayreuth
Date: 1952
Conductor: Joseph Keilberth
Catalogue Number: OD 12317-3
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 3
In Mono

Act I

Act II

Act III