Description:

Pros:

• By 1972 it was clear that Helga Dernesch’s opulent soprano was beginning to shift into mezzo territory. Her middle voice had begun to take on a richer and darker quality compared with the collaborations she had with von Karajan in the 1960s. However, she still possessed the technical wherewithal to make this part work for her, and if at times the highest notes in the role seem just out of her grasp, she more than makes up for it with the glorious richness of her tone.
• Hermin Esser attacks the role of Siegfried with confidence, bringing a burly yet attractive tone to the part.
• The rest of the cast is very good, including a delicious cameo from Liane Synek as the third Norn.
• The sound is excellent.

Cons:

• There are some brief drop-outs on this recording, presumably where the tape needed to be changed. All of them occur during orchestral interludes thereby keeping the flow of the actual scenes.

In Mono

OD 11684-4