This performance of Die Walküre brings together three distinguished Wagnerians whos paths converged by notably different paths. Rita Hunter, fresh from her triumph in the legendary ENO Goodall Ring, here has the opportunity to return to Wagner in the original German. The sheer power of her tone is matched by the exquisite delicacy she brings to the role, particularly in “War es so schmählich,” which carries the vulnerability of a line uttered by a frightened teenager.

Johanna Meier had been making the rounds of the American regional circuit, establishing herself as a singer of exceptional dramatic and vocal range. She is paired with Jon Vickers, who, although by then in his fifties, still delivers a Siegmund brimming with youthful vitality and soulful nuance. Vern Shinall gives an admirable account of Wotan, more than holding his own within this formidable cast.

The orchestra plays with remarkable accuracy, though at times it is all too apparent that the brass section is reduced.