Thread: Favorite recording of Der Ring des Nibelungen: Poll

Originally Posted by Barbebleu

With whom is Solti's Ring out of fashion?

I agree about Thielemann though. Fat chance of that happening with the dearth of top class Wagnerian singers in the opera world today. Now where did I leave that time machine?

I think if you look on social media, people are ready now to criticise the Culshaw production. Also some of the singers were then past their prime. However, we only knew that when later recordings turned up. I think people find a lot of Solti's recordings harsh during that era but later on the sound mellowed.

Obviously Gergiev tried but failed to do a studio Ring but it was so poorly conducted with such an overrated orchestra. I do disagree though that there aren't many great singers who could do it in the studio.

Terfel-Wotan, Stemme- Brunnhilde, Kaufmann-Siegmund, Matilla-Sieglinde, Ekaterina Gubanova-Fricka, Vinke-Siegfried. Zeppenfeld-Hunding, Milling-Hagen. They're just some initial thoughts

That could do as a start

My favorite Ring at this time:


Of the Rings I have listened to, here is my approximate order of preference, which could change over time:

1. Sawallisch Ring
2. Swarowsky Ring
3. Levine Ring
4. Goodall Ring
5. Krauss Ring
6. Solti Ring
7. Janowski Ring
8. Neuhold Ring

Revised list:

1. Sawallisch Ring 1989
2. Levine Ring
3. Goodall Ring

All the rest: (no order of preference)
Sawallisch Ring 1968 ROMA
Swarowsky Ring
Krauss Ring
Solti Ring
Janowski Ring
Neuhold Ring
Furtwangler

Somehow I think I have more Rings on CD but can't remember what. No matter. I am stuck in that without Behrens as Brunnhilde, the recording just comes off as lacking for me. I can handle Goodall because it is in English. Not to say other Brunnhildes are not good. No, there are many excellent Brunnhildes, but when i drink in the whole Ring, there is something about Behren's voice that just grabs me and won't let go.

Originally Posted by Brahmsianhorn

If I had to recommend one Ring based on combination of good sound, singing, and interpretation, it would be Bohm.

I have that one. Will give it a listen next. Some great voices on that one:

Originally Posted by jflatter

I think if you look on social media, people are ready now to criticise the Culshaw production. Also some of the singers were then past their prime. However, we only knew that when later recordings turned up. I think people find a lot of Solti's recordings harsh during that era but later on the sound mellowed.

Interesting that Nilsson herself criticised the balanced of the Decca recordings for being too orchestra heavy - and with HER voice too! Of course it was the age of 'Sonic Stage'. Culshaw by his own admission favoured over-emphasis rather than under-emphasis (he reckoned that Boulez was the most boring of competent conductors) so that's why he favoured Solti (for all his shortcomings at the time) as his Ring conductor. It was an viscerally exciting sonic experience which literally took the music world by storm. Of course, at the time, there was little or no competition, so it was no surprise that when Walkure the last to be recorded) came out the reviews were more reserved as there were other recordings available. The other reason was Hotter's Wotan, which was way past its sell-by date by then, and which is frankly a trial to listen to, whatever excuses may be made for it.
The great success of the Solti Ring was Gotterdamerung in both its casting and conducting, as the gloom laden Twilight saga seemed to suit Solti better.
However, for me the best conducted Ring remains Karajan's with the Berlin Phil purring with an almost supernatural beauty. Of course there are controversial cast choices, some forced upon Karajan by circumstances and availability of singers, but it is a good thing to hear other, often lighter voices in the roles rather than the usual cannons. It gives this Ring a different feel, although I know it does not please the traditionalists. But I think it would have pleased the composer. For example, I'm glad to hear both Crespin's and Denerch's short lived Brunnhildes even though they lack the sheer heft of Nilsson and Janowitz's bewitching Sieglinde opposite Vickers.
I also have Janowski which is pretty good but Altmeyer does sound a bit over-stretched by Brunnhilde. Also the Bohm which has the same cast (almost) as Solti but the recording is too monochrome. Must have another listen to it when I'm in the mood for Richard!
Oh and years ago I got Krauss as a next-to-nothing download with a great cast but restricted recording

Just finished this one. I did not find it all that interesting. Siegfried was perhaps the best of the operas on this set, then followed by Gotterdammerung, then Walkure, and least being Rheingold. Sound seemed rather thin on this set, especially Rheingold. I understand that there is a remastered set that I perhaps should have bought instead of this one, but can it be that much better?

This one is pretty good. I think I'll rank it just below Levine. Mine is in a larger box set, so not sure what release I actually have.


Current rankings:

#1 Sawallisch 1989
#2 Levine 1989
#3 Barenboim

Will be listening to these next: Janowski (Dresden), Neuhold, Furtwangler (Italian Radio 1953), Krauss (Bayreuth 1953), Solti, and Swarowsky. We'll see what of these make my favorites list.

Next up? Neuhold, a budget cycle with pretty good ratings.

I went into this with great expectations but started losing interest. By the time I got well into Walkure I was wishing for the end of the world (i.e., end of the opera), but pained it out for all four operas. Needless to say, this one does not make my favorites list.


Next up: Krauss 1953 Beyreuth.

Originally Posted by wkasimer

It sounds better, but the difference isn't huge - if you're not crazy about the performance, it's probably not worth the upgrade. The biggest positive change is that each act of Siegfried gets its own disc.

Itullian would be pleased.

Originally Posted by Fritz Kobus

Itullian would be pleased.

Very ..........................