Wagner: Walküre & Siegfried (Exc.) - Bjoner, Watson, King; Kempe. München, 1972. Knie, Kollo; Boulez. Bayreuth, 1976. BONUS: Wesendonck Lieder - Nilsson

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Listen to a Sample:

I had a bunch of orphaned Wagner excerpts I didn't know what to do with, so I decided to create a disc out of it.
The Walküre excerpts mark a remarkable period at the Bavarian State Opera when singers like Ingrid Bjoner and Claire Watson were part of the ensemble, and performances of this caliber were a weekly occurrence. James King also lends his considerable talents as Siegmund.
The Siegfried excerpts were taken late in the run during the inaugural season of the Chéreau/Boulez Ring Cycle, and feature Roberta Knie stepping in for Gwyneth Jones. Knie's career sadly didn't pan out, but this early glimpse shows remarkable promise. René Kollo must have been particularly feeling his oats this day as he attempts a less-than-successful high C at the end of the night. It is easy to forgive him that one miscalculation, because he otherwise sings with admirable security and beauty of tone.