Wagner: Götterdämmerung - Kuchta, Windgassen, Greindl, Stewart, Dernesch; Maazel. Bayreuth, 1968

$18.95

Description:

Kuchta’s voice is warm and luscious. While it may lack the full sledgehammer force that Birgit Nilsson and Astrid Varnay brought to Act II, she still makes it abundantly clear that Brünnhilde is no woman to be trifled with. Josef Greindl delivers a masterful performance as Hagen, oozing slimy charisma. Nilsson once remarked that Greindl’s Hagen gave the impression of being only half-human—a sentiment I wholeheartedly echo.

The Gibichungs are also superbly cast, with Thomas Stewart as Gunther and Helga Dernesch as Gutrune. Special mention must also go to Liane Synek, whose performance as the third Norn is outstanding.

The sound quality is very good, capturing the power and nuance of this extraordinary performance.

OD 10701-4