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CD Review
Richard Wagner
HMV's "Potted" Ring Recordings 1927-32
Freida Leider
Friedrich Schorr
Gšta Ljungberg
Walter Widdop
Florence Austral
Lauritz Melchior
Maria Olszeska
Ivar Andréson, etc.
Berlin State Opera, London Symphony Orchestras/Karl Alwin, John Barbirolli, Leo Blech, Albert Coates, Lawrence Collingwood, Robert Heger & Karl Muck
Pearl GEMM9137 7CDs AAD 929:42
Pearl has assembled, for the first time under one roof, all 122 sides that comprise the celebrated HMV albums of extended Ring Cycle excerpts issued in the late twenties and early thirties. Many vocal aficionados consider this era to be the apex of Wagner singing in this century, with Schorr's virile yet compassionate Wotan, Leider's agile and authoritative Brünnhilde, and the unique Melchior, whose peerless Siegfried is heard here nearly complete. Moreover, these artists often appeared together in Europe and at Covent Garden, and had ample opportunity to hone their collective insights into these elusive roles.
Other highlights include Andrésens spine-tingling Hagen, Walter Widdop's ardent Siegmund, and a gorgeous Waltraute's Narrative from Maartje Offers. A dream come true for Wagner collectors, especially with Mark Obert-Thorn's splendid new transfers.
Copyright © 1994/1996, Jed Distler
