Description:

Of the many recordings of Das Rheingold from the 1950s Bayreuth Festivals, this one stands out as a clear favorite. The cast is uniformly strong and seems to share a vibrant chemistry. Hans Hotter brings his familiar gravitas and deep understanding of text to Wotan, a role he had long dominated. The revelation of the evening is Rita Gorr, whose Fricka is both commanding and unexpectedly sympathetic. Fritz Uhl, not typically known for character roles, impresses as Loge, bringing a relaxed charm and new dramatic insight to the part. Theo Adam offers oversized elegance as Fasolt, hinting at the Wotan he would later become. The cast is rounded out with a remarkable lineup in smaller roles: Sándor Kónya as Froh, Josef Greindl as Fafner, and Elisabeth Grümmer as Freia. If there’s one weak link, it’s Frans Andersson, who gives a respectable but unremarkable Alberich—especially when compared to the towering standard set by Gustav Neidlinger.

In Mono

OD 12040-2