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In this performance of Götterdämmerung, we encounter a completely new Siegfried and Brünnhilde compared to the previous opera. Perhaps the idea is that the transformative power of their newfound love at the end of Siegfried has utterly changed them. Whatever the reasoning, what truly matters is that Gladys Kuchta and Wolfgang Windgassen sing with divine brilliance from the opening lines of their duet to the opera’s conclusion.

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