Maazel conducts a more magisterial conclusion to his Ring cycle than we've heard from him in the other three operas. The pacing is still excellent, things never drag, but we get a keen sense that this is the end of a long journey. I don't know why Wolfgang Wagner didn't allow Lindholm to finish her Brunnhildes, but I don't have any complaints about Kuchta. She is tremendous; nothing fazes her vocally or dramatically. Except for a single Fidelio studio recording she had no recording career. She didn't lack for work, but there were several other more publicized sopranos making careers at that time and there were only so many slots available. Fortunately Opera Depot continues to make more of her live recordings available.Windgassen sounds older, but not wobbly or unpleasant. He is one of the few tenors who nails both of Siegfried's high C's. Greindl's voice too is exhibiting signs of age, yet he uses that to his advantage. He is still terrifying. Stewart is a sturdy Gunther, Dernesch an unusually assertive Gutrune (with a great scream in the last act!). The Rhinemaidens continue to be first-rate as are the Norns though it should be noted that that is unmistakeably Berit Lindholm as the Third Norn. Synek did appear as Third Norn, but at a later performance.The sound is good stereo for the period. There is some very occasional static, but it is brief and not very intrusive.A fine cycle then! I look forward to hearing Maazel's 1969 reading as well.

Superb performance, topping a superb Ring. I must add that I think THIS to be Greindl's greatest performance of Hagen...and the same goes for Windgassen, too!