<<  -- 4 --  Robert Hugill    STUNNING LIGHTING

Regarding the CD recording, this would not be my perfectly ideal Ring, but then which one would? This set is highly recommended for anyone wanting a set recorded in stunning modern sound. The performance of Barenboim and the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra is second to none. Barenboim's way with the orchestral textures of Wagner's music is a revelation, and his approach reveals hidden gems and provides a wonderful richness. The drawback is that he does not always seem to have a care for his singers.

All the roles are creditably sung and there are some outstanding performances. The three singers who might affect your choice are John Tomlinson, Siegfried Jerusalem and Anne Evans. Tomlinson delivers a towering performance which threatens to knock other singers off the stage, but not everyone warms to his distinctive voice and there is a definite feeling of effort in the upper reaches of Wotan's role. Jerusalem's Siegfried might not be the most sophisticated on disc, but it has the admirable virtues of consistency of delivery; something that is difficult to achieve in this tiring role.

Where I fall down is with Evans' Brünnhilde; I can appreciate the beauties of her voice, her lovely, unforced phrasing, but I miss the sheer passion and gleaming ability to dominate the orchestra which other major Brünnhildes bring to this opera.

So the choice is yours; if you can appreciate Anne Evans then this is the set for you. If you can't, then consider it anyway if you want a set recorded with stunning orchestral sound [listen -- CD14 track 24, 2:02-3:21].

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