Wagner Weekend - The Ride of the Valkyries

Richard [Classical] Wagner (Composer), Leopold Stokowski (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Leopold Stokowski
• Composer: Richard [Classical] Wagner
• Audio CD (September 20, 1989)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000041T7
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #138,499 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), opera, WWV 86b: The Ride of the Valkyries

2. Die Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods), opera, WWV 86d: Dawn and Siegfried's Rhine Journey

3. Die Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods), opera, WWV 86d: Siegfried's Death and Funeral Music

4. Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold), opera, WWV 86a: Entrance of the Gods into Valhalla

5. Siegfried, opera, WWV 86c: Forest Murmurs

6. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, opera, WWV 96: Prelude

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent performances of Wagner masterpieces., September 18, 2000

By 

D. R. Schryer (Poquoson, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wagner Weekend - The Ride of the Valkyries (Audio CD)

Like many people, I find most of Wagner's operas somewhat difficult to listen to from start to finish. But each of Wagner's operas contains sections that are simply gorgeous. This CD collects five such pieces from his "Ring" cycle. Each is magnificently conducted by Leopold Stokowski who, in my view, was the greatest Wagner conductor -- and, possibly, the greatest all-around conductor -- of the 20th century. If you think you don't like Wagner's music, please try this CD. I think it will convert you.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stoki's greatest recordings ever., April 4, 2004

By 

John Peters (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wagner Weekend - The Ride of the Valkyries (Audio CD)

These orchestral works from the Ring and Die Meistersinger are some of the most thrilling interpretations on record. Stokowski was very passionate about Wagner and it is obvious. The writer usually does not agree with the conductor's style but admits that he was blown away here. Conducting the London Symphony, Stoki forces the "Stokowski Sound" out of the flood gates immediately. The color of the recordings is amazing yet it never gets excessive. The "Ride of the Valkyries", "Rhine Journey", "Funeral March", and "Entrance Into Valhalla" are equally impressive for all of the above reasons. The crown jewel of this CD however, is the "Forrest Murmurs." Combining all of the emotions and ideas associated with the opera (wonder, mysteriousness, joy, and triumph) is a monumental task. Stokowski and the LSO pull it off in dramatic fassion. It has never been bested. The live performance of the prelude to Die Meistersinger is electric and has adrenaline that is common with such recordings but it is very interesting to know why. Stokowski and the orchestra performed the overture without fully rehersing it! During rehersal, they began and after a few bars of music Stokowski stopped the orchestra and said, "We don't need to do this. You all know it!" He was right.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wagner Weekend?, January 10, 2008

By 

Ryan Kouroukis "In 1882 Richard Wagner said: ... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wagner Weekend - The Ride of the Valkyries (Audio CD)

By looking at this cd, you'd think, "yeah sure...next"! I mean c'mon, how cheezy does the cover look and sound?

But just look at the details on the back of it, then think for a minute...Leopold Stokowski, London Symphony Orchestra, Decca and recorded in the 1960's...

What answers can you come up with?

Need help?

How 'bout..."THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!