Wagner R

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

(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]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The culmination of a great Ring cycle has a place among the best: scintillating singing, playing and conducting [RMo]

A Wagner production from hell to be avoided at all possible costs [PCG]

A decent account of the score let down by vocalism which ranges from mediocre to poor [MBu]

Another majestic instalment of living theatre  – the best so far – in Kna’s 1956 Bayreuth Ring, in superb sound but again afflicted by persistent coughing [RMo]

Pristine’s stereo remastering reveals its glories yet more vividly – but unfortunately also highlights the constant hacking of the audience and Windgassen’s coordination problems. [RMo]

A strong musical performance hampered by the directors’ silly concept and by technical issues with the sound [ST]

A great performance revitalised in extraordinarily vivid sound – another Pristine remastering triumph [RMo]

I enjoyed some unhackneyed repertoire and the marvellous singing [GF]

Beautiful sonorities throughout but the conductor’s approach is an emotional letdown and hampers the stellar cast [MP]

An 80-CD centenary salute to Marriner, with (or without) his ASMF [JW]

A superb fusion of singing, music and stagecraft [AOz]

A very fine cast and excellent sound makes this a decent version of Wagner’s difficult first opera [MP]

The last instalment of the Decca ‘Ring’ enhanced by remastering in magnificent sound [JQ]

A colourful Wagnerian romp with two outstanding interpreters among the large cast [MP]

A classic Wagner recording in magnificently remastered sound [JQ]