This 1972 Bayreuth Ring is really shaping up to be one of the best. Stein really knew how to pace a Wagner opera and he's abetted by a superb orchestra and fine cast. Cox's Siegfried is very good. His voice is steady and sure throughout the grueling marathon. If he is a little anonymous, his vocal security is a worthy tradeoff for a more interesting, less well-sung portrayal. Heinz Zednik simply was Mime for an entire generation. He sings every note accurately with his distinctive, attractive voice and infuses every phrase with specificity. Stewart, Neidlinger, Kawahara, and Höffgen are terrific as usual. Heinz Feldhoff (younger brother of Gerd Feldhoff and married to Hannelore Bode) sings Fafner with a rich beautiful bass in which there is no wobble, just pure bel canto sound. One wonders whether he was on stage during his scenes, his voice doesn't sound as if he's backstage, singing through a microphone. Ligendza sings Brünnhilde with clear, unforced tones. She has an exceptional top; she didn't have a trill. Her interpretation is cooler than other interpreters, but she certainly knows what she is about.The sound is warm, broadcast stereo. There is some minor, fleeting file corruption early on in Act 2, but it never disrupts the listening experience. Onward to Götterdämmerung!