Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen [Box set, Import]

Richard Wagner (Composer), Günther Neuhold (Conductor), Badische Staatskapelle (Orchestra), Badische Staatsopernchor (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Badische Staatsopernchor
• Orchestra: Badische Staatskapelle
• Conductor: Günther Neuhold
• Composer: Richard Wagner
• Audio CD (April 13, 2007)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 14
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Membran
• ASIN: B000GUK04A
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,951 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #11 in Music > Imports > Opera & Vocal
  • #69 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Operettas

Track Listings

1. The Rhinegold

2. The Valkyrie

3. Siegfried

4. Twilight Of The Gods

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good. Totally worth the price., March 15, 2009

By 

Jason M. Brunelle (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Audio CD)

While I doubt this will replace anyone's favorite ring, I still rank it pretty high. It's easily on par with or better than the audio portions of the last 3 video rings I have seen (Haenchen, Copenhagen, and de Billy). This was recorded digitally and it shows. The sound mixing is perfect. Between the two I was able to hear some of the quieter orchestral elements clearly...more so than an any other live recording I have heard. Incidentally, I (being in the minority I realize) have not enjoyed the studio recordings I have heard so this for me outranks several of the most lauded recordings. It has a very even cast especially considering that I had only heard of one of the opera singers before. I am referring to Bodo Brinkman who is in my favorite recording (Barneboim.) he is better in this recording, by the way. Honestly, for me this goes down as a ring cycle with very few specific problems. Unfortunately, beyond what I've listed above, there's nothing truly superb about this ring (in comparison to other recordings that is) so I cannot put this down as my favorite despite its lack of problems. Long story short, I think anyone with more than a passing interest in the Ring should add this to their collection considering the price. Even if the price was doubled or tripled I think the price would be worth it for many.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the price, you can't go wrong., October 5, 2009

By 

D. K. Croft "refugee from academia" (Everett, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Audio CD)

This boxed set is a remarkable bargain (and contains 14 discs, not 10 as stated above). For the most part, the singers all do quite well; the most obvious failing is Brunhildes lack of a "top" - when I first heard the beginning portion of Walkure Act II, I couldn't help but laugh out loud - while singing Brunhilde's battle cry, she doesn't make it to the highest pitches, and her voice just stops - it's almost as if Florence Foster Jenkins lived in the digital age. On there other hand, her voice is strong and clear, and she does fine for most of the remainder of the cycle.

The performances are well conducted and recorded.

I must say, that although I only own excerpts from other recordings, it is clear this performance does not equal that found on the Solti, Boehm, von Karajan, Levine, etc. etc. recordings. Nevertheless, for the price, it's a great bargain; and it must be said that if I were to hear a performance of this quality in any but top ranked houses, I wouldn't be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Original 'Ring", July 3, 2011

By 

B. A. Dilger "floating world" (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen (Audio CD)

Since this is really a four opera cycle it is best to spread your listening over a week then all at once. It takes time to absorb the shear power of the 'Ring', with all the complexity and zeitgeist. If you don't know German that is okay, a handy synopsis in English is included, though a libretto would be helpful. Overall the recording is just short of excellent, with it being the first digitally recorded and mixed 'Ring', orchestra and singers blended perfectly. The only exception is "Siegfried", where to hear the cast the volume must be turned up, and the orchestra will come in and scare the neighbors and yourself. Be warned. The set comes in a handsome package where every CD liner has the song title and singers listed, in the original German. Also, the only reason I gave a four-star rating is that Brunnhilda, while a very good singer throughout, just couldn't hit the really high notes.This is a work of the 'Ring that won't hurt the pocket and gives you an outstanding performance.