Ring des Nibelungen

Posted by: Franz K on 12 May 2008

I am courious which recording(s) some of you on this forum would favour.

Over the last few days I listened to almost the complete DECCA ring cyle with Solti/Windgassen/Nilsson etc. recorded between 1958 and 1966 in Vienna in the Sophiensaal. The sound of this recording is wonderful. I also own the Furtwängler Ring on vinyl, recorded for RAI in Italy - I think in 1953- which was not released until 1972. Have not had the time to compare tough. I know there are quite a number of other landmark recordings such as Böhm, Karajan etc.

Interested what you think/prefer
frtanz

Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Tam

I'll try and post a proper reply in due course, however, you might like to explore this thread, however, I've heard a few Rings since then so my views may have altered somewhat. There is also this with my thoughts on Keilberth, which is still broadly my view. Annoyingly, though, I've just noticed a typo where instead of writing, in reference to the Keilberth Rheingold "the sound is perfect" I have left out the rather important word NOT.

regards, Tam

Posted on: 12 May 2008 by KenM

I like Solti, Keilberth and Barenboim on CD. My choice on DVD would be Boulez (probably because these performances, shown on BBC2 made me realise what great music this is).
Ken

Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Todd A

Krauss '53 and Keilberth '55 are my two favorites - best casts, superb conducting.

Bohm is also superb, as is Boulez, though Boulez's take is a bit too unromantic for some. I relistened to Barenboim's first two installments this past weekend - good, but variable stuff. Tomlinson's Wotan is compelling, though.

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