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CA one-shot opera can give you the best conditions for live recording. The ambitious release of Wagner’s Ring Cycle on 13 CDs, recorded in 2024 by the Dallas Symphony under music director Fabio Luisi, is a good example.
The Italian maestro has a strong reputation, having joined the Metropolitan Opera in 2011 when James Levine left Siegfried due to illness. With his expressive technique, a clever understanding of Wagner’s composition, and a good way with sound, he is probably the main reason for this impressive set.
Of course, every ring lives or dies on its performers, and no performer can be perfect. As Wotan, Mark Delavan’s voice has the right authority, his character growing stronger as the work progresses. Daniel Johansson is a musical Siegfried, unflappable, even if at times he sounds a little out of place. As Brünnhilde, Lise Lindstrom’s soprano is under a lot of pressure, although she doesn’t commit too much to the text and drama.
Of the rest, Sara Jakubiak stands out as a sparkling Sieglinde, though a weary Christopher Ventris disappoints as Siegmund. Stephen Milling, Štefan Margita and Michael Laurenz sing and knock their socks off as Hagen, Loge and Mime respectively, and Tómas Tómasson is polite but sometimes nervous as Alberich.
If Deniz Uzun is soft as Fricka and Roman Trekel is extravagant as Gunther, Kathryn Henry gives a glorious Gutrune and Tamara Mumford an impressive Erda. Giants and minor gods are good; Rhinemaidens, Valkyries, and especially Norns are excellent. The sound is pleasant, if a little fuller than the most high-end studios.
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