Wagner R

Otmar Suitner (conductor): Live in Leningrad 1963 (Profil)

I cannot make a convincing case for this double set of live recordings conducted by Otmar Suitner [MC]

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Wagner: Götterdämmerung (Pristine Audio)

All Wagnerians should consider this 1956 live Bayreuth Götterdämmerung [SB]

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Willem Mengelberg (conductor) The Concertgebouw Telefunken Recordings Vol. 4 (Pristine Audio)

Further excellent performances and transfers in this ongoing series [PSt]

Wagner: The Wagner Project (CAvi-Music)

Once again, I find myself questioning the validity and purpose of such arrangements [RMo]

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Wagner: Das Rheingold (Deutsche Grammophon)

A stunning new high resolution transfer of this classic recording [MP]

Michael Spyres (tenor): In The Shadows (Erato)

An interesting and enterprising recital but a question mark over the suitability of the voice for some of the material [PT]

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Mischa Elman (violin)The complete Victor recordings (1926-32) (Biddulph)

Elman’s glittering morceau (and some others) in splendid transfers [JW]

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Wagner: Parsifal (Deutsche Grammophon)

The best new Parsifal recording since Kubelik [SSc]

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Wagner: Siegfried (Pristine Audio)

This third instalment of the Knappertsbusch Ring will not disappoint enthusiasts [SB]

Sommernachtskonzert 2024 VPO Nelsons Davidsen Sony 19802812502

Sommernachtskonzert Schönbrunn 2024 (Sony Classical)

An excellent souvenir [RWe]

Roberto Alagna (tenor): Roberto Alagna 60 (Aparté)

A vital and compelling celebration of Roberto Alagna’s 60th birthday [GF]

Gunther Groissbock I live alone in my heaven Gramola 20005

Günther Groissböck (bass) I live alone in my heaven (Gramola)

A profile of the singer Günther Groissböck – no revelations, but there’s always the voice [ST]

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Wagner: Die Walküre (Pristine Audio)

This second instalment of Knappertsbusch’s 1956 Ring is very acceptable [SB]

Wagner: Siegfried (Profil)

Superlative singing whose impact is somewhat compromised by the disappointingly cavernous mono sound [RMo]

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Christine Brewer (soprano) Great Operatic Arias (Chandos)

(Déjà Review) Chandos’s faith in Brewer has been justified, completely and utterly [CC]

Wagner Rheingold Knappertsbusch Pristine PACO210

Wagner: Das Rheingold (Pristine Audio)

This is a rewarding set, and fans of the singers, in particular, will be pleased [SB]

Wagner: Parsifal (Opus Arte)

(Déjà Review) If you come to terms with some controversial aspects, you could be watching one of the finest all-round operatic performances you will ever see [JL]

Olga Samaroff & Frank La Forge (piano): The Complete Recordings (APR)

Highly enjoyable playing by two pioneers of American pianism [RCh]

Wagner: The Complete Experience and its Meaning to Us (De la Porte Publishing)

Now a truly complete guide to Wagner’s operas, in a fine new edition [RWe]

viebig proscrits forgotten records

Ernst Viebig (conductor) 1933: Les chefs proscrits (Forgotten Records)

A lesser light in German conducting flourishes in light overtures and waltzes in Weimar Berlin [JW]

Thomas Quasthoff (bass- baritone) Evening Star (Deutsche Grammophon)

A cunningly devised programme ideally showcasing Quasthoff’s vocal versatility and dramatic gifts [RMo]

Wagner Meistersinger Oper Berlin Naxos 2.110766-67 DVD

Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Naxos)

Some good performances do little to redeem this drab, even absurd production of Meistersinger [LW]

475 Jahre Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden (Profil)

Many first-class performances to celebrate the 475th anniversary of the Staatskapelle Dresden [MC]

Wagner: Lohengrin (RCA)

There is much to savour in this 59 year-old set [MP]