Battle Magic

Battle Magic

Track Listings

1. Battle Magic

2. Naked Steel (The Warrior`S Saga)

3. Tale from the Deep Woods

4. Return to the Praesidium of Ys

5. Crystal Shards

6. Dark Liege of Chaos Is Unleashed at the Ensorcelled Shrine of A`Zura Ka

7. When Rides the Scion of the Storms

8. Blood Slakes the Sand at the Circus Maximus

9. Thwarted by the Dark (Blade of the Vampyre Hunter)

10. And Atlantis Falls

Battle Magic,Bal-Sagoth,Cacophonous Records,Death Metal/Black Metal,Heavy Metal,Pop,Rock

Average customer rating:

Underrated group

CD Review: Swollen Members - Black Magic

Best overall SM album

Truly Excellent

production reaches far, album falls short

Black Magic
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bad Dreams

Monsters in the Closet

United We Fall

Balance

Heavy

ASIN: B000H7JA66
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Intro
Blackout
Swamp Water feat. Phil Da Agony & Planet Asia
Pressure
Press Fwd Interlude
Grind feat. Moka Only
Torture feat. Casual & DJ Revolution
So Deadly
Weight feat. Ghostface Killah & The Alchemist
Prisoner of Doom
Heart
Too Hot feat. Dj Babu
Dark Clouds
Ritual
Massacre
Go To Sleep feat. Barbie Hatch
Sinister feat. Jacken (Psycho Realm)
Dynamite feat. Mr. Vegas
Put Me On feat. Everlast
Black Magic feat. DJ Swamp
Brothers

Album Description

Over two years in the making, "Black Magic" sees Swollen Members returning to the dark signature sound they have become synonymous with since first busting out to become the best-selling hip hop group in Canadian history. "Black Magic" is a melting pot of introspective lyrics, bookworm intellectualism, aggressive beats and party-rocking jams, and features collaborations with Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Everlast, Dilated Peoples, Mr. Vegas, Hieroglyphics, The Alchemist, Mix Master Mike, Planet Asia, Phil Da Agony, and more. Storming out of hibernation with their sights firmly focused on the United States this time around, Swollen Members are poised to bring their renowned live show and sound to the masses on an endless tour.

Customer Reviews:

Underrated group.......2006-12-04

This album is fantastic, One of their best, I have all their albums and this one has so many standout tracks its sick. bottom line...Get this album

CD Review: Swollen Members - Black Magic .......2006-10-17

I first got into Swollen Members (Canada's illest hip hop export, all due respect to Canibus, Choclair & Kardinall Offishall) when I picked up 2003's Heavy. I enjoyed the album, thought there a few stand out tracks, but they were just missing the proverbial "something".

My first time through their newest release, Black Magic, I noticed three things: (1) Moka Only is no longer a member of the crew, although he is one two tracks (2) This album has a much higher quality of guests: Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, Ghostface Killah, Evidence, Mr. Vegas & Everlast and (3) The Swollen Members have found that "something".

I really enjoyed this album. The production is great. Prevail is on point as always and Mad Child has some nice verses (once you get past his B-Real meets Cage voice). There is a great mix of songs on here, some serious, some commercial, some dark, some hype, some nerd rap. This variety keeps the album flowing and makes it a great listen start to finish.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of non-commercial hip hop. It's by no means a perfect album, but it is one of the best CDs that I've purchased in a while. If you like commercial, mainstream hip hop, you might like a few of the songs like "Pressure", "Go To Sleep" & "Put Me On", but that's probably it.

The good:

Great beats; Strong album top to bottom; Most of the guests bring a lot to the able, especially Ghostface & Evidence; Some hot tracks like "Torture", "Weight", "Dark Clouds", "Black Magic" & "Brothers"; "Heart" is a great song; Even the commercial tracks are hot, especially "Pressure".

The bad:

Could have been a few tracks shorter; I don't like how the intros are part of the previous track.

The rating:

4.0/5.0

Best overall SM album.......2006-10-12

I love this album, possibly there best one. They went back to their roots for these songs. Mad and Prev bring in new artists which shake thigs up too. I think Pressure is the odd song out on this album. I listen to it all the time. Swollen Members are great on cd, but even better live.

Truly Excellent.......2006-09-27

This CD has among the best sets of beats I've ever heard. They're consistently infectious and the lyrics they're paired with complement them to make a fantastic collection of songs. In my experience, the best beats were those in 'Pressure,' 'Grind,' 'Too Hot,' 'Sinister,' and 'Black Magic.'

If you're looking for a rap CD that employs heavy lyrics and themes along with incredible beats, this is an album that will in no way disappoint.

production reaches far, album falls short.......2006-09-20

I appreciate Rob the Vikings production, it's creative, dark, and lasting. Unfortunately, I have always thought of SM as lyrically stale and suffering bad delivery. I agree with Constant's comments. I'd rather listen to the other S&M, Slug and Murs, that is. Both of their Tribute albums are fresh. Or Deep Puddle Dynamics for the dark sound and ultra intellectual lyrics (infused with a pretentious aire of grandeur, if you will - sorry I had to, I heard Bob Novak say it). Or Cannibal Ox, futuristic yet timeless production, lyrics from the streets. Or Deltron 3030, produced by Dan the Automator. Need more classic albums, talented producers need to team with talented MCs.

Average customer rating:

Dawn of Battle
Manowar
Manufacturer: Magic Circle Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Sons of Odin
Manowar: Gods of War w/ Bonus DVD
Sign of the Hammer
Warriors of the World
Fighting the World

ASIN: B00099BRX6
Release Date: 2005-05-02

Tracks:

The Dawn Of Battle
I Believe
Call To Arms

Album Description

2002's The Dawn Of Battle single is the only CD which features the brand new songs I Believe and The Dawn Of Battle, which were recorded during the promotion cycle for Warriors Of The World album and are the most current recordings by Manowar. Furthermore, the single features a video documentation of the legendary performance at the Ringfest in 2002 and other enhanced bonus material. In addition, new artwork by artist Ken Kelly makes this single a must for all Manowar fans and collectors.

Album Details

This Single which was Released in 2002 is the Only CD which features the New Songs "i Believe" and "the Dawn of Battle" which were Recorded During the Promotioncycle for "warriors of the World". Furthermore the Single features a Video Documentation of the Legendary Performance at the Ringfest in 2002 and Other Enhanced Bonus Material. In Addition to that a New Artwork by Artist Ken Kelly Makes this Single a Must for all Manowar Fans and Collectors.

Average customer rating:

Ten Top Sopranos Vol. 2
Léo Delibes , Marie-Joseph Canteloube , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Giuseppe Verdi , Umberto Giordano , Johann Sebastian Bach , Giacomo Puccini , Franz Schubert , Sir Georg Solti , Jeffrey Tate , Riccardo Chailly , Herbert von Karajan , Francesco Molinari-Pradelli , Karl Munchinger , Istvan Kertesz , Joan Sutherland , Kiri Te Kanawa , English Chamber Orchestra , Montserrat Caballe , Ana Raquel Satre , Renata Tebaldi , Kathleen Battle , Elly Ameling , Lucia Popp , Mirella Freni , Christa Ludwig , Luciano Pavarotti , Leontyne Price , and Sumi Jo
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000423O
Release Date: 1995-01-17

Tracks:

Ah! Ou va la jeune Indoue (Lakme) - Joan Sutherland
Bailero (Chants d'Auvergne) - Kiri Te Kanawa
La mamma morta (Andrea Chenier) - Montserrat Caballe
Mia madre aveva una povera ancella... Piangea cantando... Ave Maria (Otello) - Renata Tebaldi
Welche Wonne, welche Lust (Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail) - Kathleen Battle
Blute nur, du liebes Herz! (Matthaus-Passion) - Elly Ameling
Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben (Zaide) - Lucia Popp
Come una mosca prigioniera... Con onor muore (Madama Butterfly) - Mirella Freni
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Der Holle Rache (Die Zauberflote) - Sumi Jo

Average customer rating:

Historical Time Capsule

The Civil War
Douglas Jimerson
Manufacturer: Amerimusic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SU99
Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

Tenting on the Old Camp Ground
Wait for the Wagon
Clari: Home, Sweet Home
Oh! Susanna
The Bonnie Blue Flag
Do They Miss Me at Home?
Yellow Rose of Texas
Goober Peas
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Aura Lee
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before the Battle, Mother
That's What's the Matter
We are Coming Father Abraham
Gentle Annie
I'll be a Sergeant
Dixie
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp "The boys are coming"
For the Dear Old Flag I Die
Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Battle Cry of Freedom
America
The Bonnie Blue Flag
My Maryland
Yellow Rose of Texas
Woodman, Spare that Tree
Juanita
Green Grow the Lilacs
Lorena
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Rock'd in the Cradle of the Deep
How Firm a Foundation
Blue Bell of Scotland
Storming of Monterey
Joys that We've Tasted
Polly Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins
Drummer Boy of Shiloh
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Weeping, Sad and Lonely
Vaccant Chair
Goober Peas
All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight
Dixie
Oh! Susanna
Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground
Old Folks at Home
Camptown Races
Beautiful Dreamer
Nelly Bly
Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
Gentle Annie
Hard Times Come Again No More
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
If You've Only Got a Moustache
Old Dog Tray
The Glendy Burk
My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night
Some Folks
When This Dreadful War Is Ended
Was My Brother In The Battle?
Nothing, But a Plain Old Soldier
Battle Hymn of the Republic
America
Barbara Allen
Skip to my Lou
Kathleen Mavoureen
Adam and Eve's Wedding Song
Old Sister Phoebe
Oh! Susanna
Twenty Years Ago
The Ship on Fire
Silver Bell Waltz
Your Mission
Dixie
Go Down Moses
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Free at Last
Martha: Ach, so fromm
Die Zauberflote, K 620: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Faust: Gloire immortelle [Soldiers' Chorus]
Hail, Columbia
We are Coming Father Abraham
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Taps

Customer Reviews:

Historical Time Capsule.......2000-08-12

This is the most comprehensive recording I've found of songs popular during the Civil War period. The performances are a time capsule of Civil War music.

Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker (Favorite Excerpts from the Original Soundtrack Recording)

Average customer rating:

My thoughts on this favorite
Family Favorite

Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker (Favorite Excerpts from the Original Soundtrack Recording)

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
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Nutcracker
The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet (Pictureback(R))
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Ballet
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Highlights

ASIN: B000003CU7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture
March
The Magic Spell Begins
The Battle Between The Nutcracker & The Mouse King
Scene In The Pine Forest (Journey Through The Snow)
Waltz Of The Snowflakes
Chocolate: Spanish Dance
Coffee: Arabian Dance
Tea: Chinese Dance
Trepak: Russian Dance
Dance Of The Mirlitons
Mother Goose & The Clowns
Waltz Of The Flowers
Pas De Deux: Dance Of The Prince & The Sugar-Plum Fairy
Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
Coda
Nutcracker: Final Waltz & Apotheosis

Customer Reviews:

My thoughts on this favorite.......2007-01-09

This would have been a great CD of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, however the actual volume of all the pieces are so LOW! You have to have the volume on your stereo way up just to hear it at an audible level. Disappointed in this CD only because of the volume factor.

Family Favorite.......2000-12-04

I asked for this particular recording on cassette after watching the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" on television many years ago. Since then, I have heard many different renditions of Tchaikovsky's score, but none compare to this recording. Mackerras and the London Symphony work together in such a way that the ballet comes alive in one's imagination; the tempo is perfect, and the drama is evident.

This CD of excerpts is good for someone unfamiliar with the ballet -- it gives all the highlights. It's also great for someone unfamiliar with the works of Tchaikovsky, for I find it's very representative of his work (and I think it's his best overall).

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Sunrise - VPO/Herbert Von Karajan
The Blue Danube (Exc) - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
The Magic Flute: Queen Of The Night Aria (A Vengeful Hell Doth Pulse Within My Heart) - Karin Ott
Gayane Ballet Ste: Adagio - VPO/Aram Khachaturian
Brandenburg Con No.2 in F: First Movt - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
Mars The Bringer Of War - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
Partita No.3 in E: Gavotte & Rondeau - Nathan Milstein
Rite Of Spring: Sacrificial Dance - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
The Well-Tempored Clavichord, Book 2: Prld in C, No.1 - Rosalyn Tureck
The Well-Tempored Clavichord, Book 2: Fugue in C, No.1 - Rosalyn Tureck
Sym No.5: First Movt - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
Star Wars Ste: Battle Scene - LAPO/Zubin Mehta
The Blue Danube, Reprise - BPO/Herbert Von Karajan
Twilight Of The Gods: Immolation Of The Gods - VPO/Sir George Solti

Average customer rating:

Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Blown Away
Not ideal, but still a fine recording
strange
Much more than a fine effort

Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias
The Bach Album
Kathleen Battle in Concert
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B0000041JX
Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

Le Nozze Di Figaro: No. 11 Cavatina (Atto II): 'Porgi, amor, qualche ristoro' (Countess)
Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail: No. 12 Arie (Akt II): 'Welche Wonne, welche Lust'
Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail: No. 10 Rezitativ und Arie (Ask II): 'Welcher Kummer herrscht in meiner Seele'...'Traurigkeit ward mir zum Lose'
Zaide: No. 3 Arie (Akt I): 'Ruhe sanft, mein holdes Leben'
Cosi fan tutte: No. 19 Aria (Atto II): 'Una donna a quindici anni'
La clemenza di Tito: No. 21 Aria (Atto II): 'S'altro che lacrime'
Le Nozze Di Figaro: No. 28 Reicitativo ed Aria (Atto IV): 'Giunse alfin il momento'...'Deh vieni, non tardar, o giogia bella'
Don Giovanni: No. 12 Aria (Atto I): 'Batti, batti, o bel Masetto
Don Giovanni: No. 18 Aria (Atto II): 'Vedrai, carino'
Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail: No. 6 Arie (Akt I): 'Ach ich liebte'
Le Nozze Di Figaro: No. 6 Aria (Atto I): 'Non so piu cosa son, cosa faccio'
Die Zauberflote: No. 17 Arie (Akt II): 'Ach, ich fuhl's, es ist verschwunden'
Die Zauberflote: No. 21 Finale (Akt II): 'Bald prangt, den Morgen zu verkunden'...'Du also bist mein Brautigam?'

Customer Reviews:

Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart.......2007-04-05

This is my favorite CD of Ms. Battle. She is extremely expressive and the arias are beautifully sung.

Blown Away.......2006-02-11

I just love playing this CD. Especially the Zaide track. Kathleen Battle truly has a magnificent voice. It shines on this CD. I would just love to hear this in concert. WOW. Blown away.

Not ideal, but still a fine recording.......2006-02-07

My title says it all regarding this CD. Battle has always been one of my favourite singers and I have enjoyed this CD. She shines in most of the selections and takes a risk with a few, with fine overall results.

strange.......2002-02-19

Ms Battle has a wondeful voice and a exquesite tecnique, but when she opens her mouth it sounds like she is losing somehitng: the feeling of music.

Much more than a fine effort.......2002-02-16

I disagree with "A Fine Effort, but..." Listening to Kathleen Battle has taught me to enjoy opera. This was the first opera CD I purchased, and I have used it to introduce several other friends to fine opera music. My friends and I all used to think that female opera singers were these large, Valkyrie-style women whose voices would rattle the floorboards as well as your eardrums. But Ms. Battle can hit those high notes with the grace of a songbird, and just as I pause to listen to the birds outside in the trees, I pause to listen and admire her voice everytime I listen to this CD. It's terrific, and I own several other of her CDs (Handel: Arias is a good one).

Average customer rating:

An Upbeat Masterpiece
The best Bal-Sagoth album

Battle Magic
Bal-Sagoth
Manufacturer: Cacophonous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Power Cosmic
Atlantis Ascendant
The Chthonic Chronicles
The Chthonic Chronicles
With Oden on Our Side

ASIN: B0000240PR
Release Date: 2005-12-05

Tracks:

Battle Magic
Naked Steel (The Warrior`S Saga)
Tale from the Deep Woods
Return to the Praesidium of Ys
Crystal Shards
Dark Liege of Chaos Is Unleashed at the Ensorcelled Shrine of ...
When Rides the Scion of the Storms
Blood Slakes the Sand at the Circus Maximus
Thwarted by the Dark (Blade of the Vampyre Hunter)
And Atlantis Falls

Customer Reviews:

An Upbeat Masterpiece.......2007-06-15

Nipping at the heels of Bal-Sagoth's second full-length album, 'Starfire Burning', 'Battle Magic' hits you full force with another CD chalk full of utter ear candy. From the whimsical, almost feel good, opening synthesizer intro 'Battle Magic', to the epic fanfare romp of 'Blood Slakes the Sand at Circus Maximus', to the mysterious and suspenseful soundscape of 'Return to the Presidium of Ys', this album covers a wide range of themes and emotions, as any Bal-Sagoth album does masterfully.

Production wise, everything on Battle Magic is much clearer than any Bal-Sagoth album coming before it, though I wish the guitars were a bit more pronounced as there are some interesting riffs. The drumming could've been a bit louder as well. Lord Byrons vocals and the simply fantastic keyboards have taken center stage on Battle Magic. Not a bad thing.

While I like the song composition better on 'Starfire Burning', 'Battle Magic' comes in at a close second place. It should also be noted that this album has a more light hearted feel to it overall, than the ominously thunderous and mysterious sounds of 'Starfire Burning'.

I can pick my favorite song on every other Bal-Sagoth album but each and every song featured on 'Battle Magic' is so good I've given up trying to pick a favorite. As with any Bal-Sagoth album, I'd highly recommend this. Whether it's the first time you listen to it, or the fiftieth, it just never ceases to be an entertaining journey through the mythological universe that Bal-Sagoth's tasty music is set in.

Bal-Sagoth are not for everybody. If you can accept the fact that they are not trying to be the most brutal band on earth, and you appreciate bands that innovate and do their own thing, you should give them a shot. They take their music very seriously and it shows.

The best Bal-Sagoth album.......2007-03-28

Not only is this the best Bal-Sagoth album, it is the only good Bal-Sagoth album (although to be honest I haven't heard their 2006 release). A great theme, they keep it truly righteous. One of the most righteous albums I've ever heard. I can just imagine the heralds announcing King Arthur's triumphant return from battle. Honestly, lol, listen to first track and imagine that scenario. Or perhaps King Richard returning from the Crusades.

Average customer rating:

Mephisto Magic

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000423U
Release Date: 1994-11-22

Tracks:

Mephisto-Walzer Nr.2: Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke
Ungarische Rhapsodie Nr.2
Hungarian Sketches: Evening in the Village
Hungarian Sketches: Bear Dance
Hungarian Sketches: Melody
Hungarian Sketches: Slightly tipsy
Hungarian Sketches: Swineherd's Dance
Prinz Csongor und die Kobolde, op.10: Introduktion und Scherzo
Romanian Folk Dances: Stick Dance
Romanian Folk Dances: Sash Dance
Romanian Folk Dances: In One Spot
Romanian Folk Dances: Horn Dance
Romanian Folk Dances: Romanian Polka
Romanian Folk Dances: Fast Dance
Romanian Folk Dances: Fast Dance
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: The Fairy Tale Begins - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: Viennese Musical Clock - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: Song - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: The Battle and Defeat of Napoleon - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: Intermezzo - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain
Hary Janos-Szvit. op.35a: Entrance of the Emperor and his Court - Solti/Chicago SO/Laurence Kaptain

Average customer rating:

"The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me."
Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative
Absolutely Breathtaking!
A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring.
The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible

Wagner: The Valkyrie

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Wagner: The Rhinegold

ASIN: B00004YU6Z
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Act I: Prld - English Nat Opr Orch/Reginald Goodall
Act I, Scene 1: The Storm Drove Me Here - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 1: This House And This Wife - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 1: Evil Fortune's Never Far From Me - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 2: There He Lay, Feeble And Faint - Margaret Curphey/Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 2: Through Field And Forest - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 2: Friedmund No One Could Call Me - Alberto Remedios/Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 2: The Neidings Raided Again - Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 2: So The Norn Who Dealt You This Fate - Clifford Grant/Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 2: I Know A Troublesome Race - Clifford Grant
Act I, Scene 3: A Sword Was Pledged By My Father - Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 3: Are You Awake? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 3: My Husband's Kinsmen - Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 3: Yes, Loveliest Bride - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 3: Winter Storms Have Vanished (Siegmund's Spring Song) - Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 3: You Are The Spring - Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 3: Oh Sweetest Enchantment - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act I, Scene 3: The Stream Has Shown My Reflected Face - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund Call Me, And Siegmund Am I! - Alberto Remedios
Act I, Scene 3: Siegmund, The Walsung, Here You See! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey

Tracks:

Act II, Scene 1: Go Bridle Your Horse, Warrior Maid! - Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Brunnhilde's Battle Cry) - Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 1: The Usual Storm, The Usual Strife - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
Act II, Scene 1: Pretend That You Don't Understand! - Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 1: Now It's Come To Pass! - Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 1: So This Is The End Of The Gods And Their Glory - Ann Howard
Act II, Scene 1: You Never Learn What I Would Teach You - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
Act II, Scene 1: What Must I Do? - Norman Bailey/Ann Howard
Act II, Scene 1: Hiaha! Hiaha! Hoyotoho! - Rita Hunter/Ann Howard/Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: Fricka Has Won The Fight - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: When Youth's Delightful Pleasures Had Waned - Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: She Refused To Reveal More About It - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 2: There's More To Tell - Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: Yet One Can Accomplish What I May Not - Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: But The Walsung, Siegmund - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: Then Siegmund Must Fall In His Fight? - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act II, Scene 2: I Give You My Blessing, Nibelung Son! - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 2: No, Have Mercy - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

Act II, Scene 2: So I Obey His Command - Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 3: Rest Here For A While; Stay By My Side! - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act II, Scene 3: Away! Away! - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act II, Scene 3: Where Are You, Siegmund? - Margaret Curphey/Alberto Remedios
Act II, Scene 4: Siegmund! Look At Me! (Announcement Of Death) - Rita Hunter/Alberto Remedios
Act II, Scene 4: And If I Come - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 4: Then Greet For Me Walhall - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 4: Woe! Woe! Sister And Bride - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 4: Two Lives Now Lie In Your Power - Alberto Remedios/Rita Hunter
Act II, Scene 5: Charms Of Sleep Are Sent To Still - Alberto Remedios
Act II, Scene 5: I Hear Your Call - Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey
Act II, Scene 5: Wehwalt! Wehwalt! - Clifford Grant/Alberto Remedios/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey

Tracks:

Act III, Scene 1: Hoyotoho! Hoyotoho! (Ride Of The Valkyries) - Katie Clark/Anne Evans/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Shelagh Squires/Anne Conoley
Act III, Scene 1: Shield Me And Help - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
Act III, Scene 1: Hear While I Tell You - Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne Evans/Sarah Walker...
Act III, Scene 1: Pray Suffer No Sorrow For Me - Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen Attfield/Anne...
Act III, Scene 1: Fly Him Swiftly, Away To The East! - Rita Hunter
Act III, Scene 1: O Radiant Wonder! (Parting Salute) - Margaret Curphey
Act III, Scene 1: Stay, Brunnhild! - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
Act III, Scene 2: Where Is Brunnhild? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
Act III, Scene 2: Weak-Spirited, Womanish Brood! - Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 2: Here I Am, Father - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 2: No More Will You Ride From Walhall - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
Act III, Scene 2: Did You Not Hear What I Decreed? - Norman Bailey/Margaret Curphey/Rita Hunter/Katie Clarke/Anne Conoley/Elizabeth Connell/Helen...
Act III, Scene 3: Was It So Shameful - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: I Know So Little - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: You, Who This Love Into My Heart Revealed - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: You Indulged Your Love - Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: Unworthy Of You This Foolish Maid - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: You Fathered A Glorious Race - Rita Hunter/Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: In Long, Deep Sleep - Norman Bailey/Rita Hunter
Act III, Scene 3: Farewell, My Valiant, Glorious Child! (Wotan's Farewell) - Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: These Eyes So Warm And So Bright - Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: Loge, Hear! Come At My Call! - Norman Bailey
Act III, Scene 3: Magic Fire Music - Norman Bailey

Customer Reviews:

"The death-doomed alone are destined to look on me.".......2007-06-12

Okay, so we have the Solti, Bohm, Karajan, Goodall, Boulez, Janowski, Levine, Haitink, and Sawallisch Rings on the market (I haven't listened to the other Ring recordings yet, sorry to say). And all of these leave me to one conclusion: the many differences lead me to believe that all of these ring sets have their own authenticities and setbacks. And here they are:

TIMING (Estimate):
Solti's Ring: 14 hours, 30 minutes
Bohm's Ring: 13 hours, 30 minutes
Karajan's Ring: 14 hours, 50 minutes
Goodall's Ring: 16 hours, 50 minutes
Boulez's Ring: 13 hours, 40 minutes
Janowski's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes
Levine's Ring: 15 hours, 20 minutes
Haitink's Ring: 14 hours, 10 minutes
Sawallisch's Ring: 14 hours, 0 minutes

CONDUCTING:
Solti: Solti's conducting is driven with sheer muscle, but sometimes he makes the Ring overemotional. His Walkure & Gotterdammerung Preludes are clear examples: they're annoyingly bombastic. Nonetheless he almost seldom loses control with anything. His clear focus on the drama is astonishing.

Bohm: I must say his live Bayreuth recording brings out some of the best. He puts more faith in the orchestral score, but he also gives it more intensity. His tempi are some of the quickest, but they still don't seem rushed at all (except maybe "Wohin schleich'st du eilig und schlau"). I especially like his "Forging Scene" & "Hagen Summons the Vassals"; both are the most energetic on disc.

Karajan: Karajan's chamber approach is very interesting. Instead of going for the drama or the energy, the conductor goes for the beauty. Almost everything in his Ring sounds very ethereal because of his excessive use of lyricism. His orchestral preludes (except Walkure Act 1) sound more beautiful than others, and much of the soft parts (such as Siegfried Act Three Scene Three) are controlled nicely. His "Funeral March" and "Immolation" are recommendable. Siegfried Act Three Scene Two could have improved with more tension.

Goodall: Oh, boy. While I do praise Goodall with his amazing attention to detail, his ridiculously sluggish tempi will tick some Wagnerites off: nothing is faster than andante. But I did enjoy listening to the slow beauty of his "Wotan's Farewell/Magic Fire Music". This was recorded live and sung in English.

Boulez: Here it is, folks - the controversial Centennial Ring. To fit the Ring Cycle in the industrial age, Boulez gives it a very Schoenbergian, Bartokian atmosphere. Much of his tempi are very quick, very Bohm-like, though they're still not as fast as Bohm. Keep in mind, though, this live Ring works only if you hear AND see it (the DVD's work best).

Janowski: This is a very classical Ring. Instead of bombast, spacious, or lyrical passion, maestro Janowski gives us the straightforward approach. He goes straight for Wagner's original intentions (precise tempi, dynamics, flow of leitmotivs, etc.), which makes this another exquisite Ring. "Hagen Summons the Vassals" is probably the fastest I've ever heard (along with Sawallisch's). Rheingold Scene Four can be best described as "sensational".

Levine: While he does stay true to the score like Bohm, this conductor makes for a somewhat dull Ring. His handling of the orchestra is nice, but the moderately slow tempi he chooses is flawed. It should be more animated. His beautiful "Funeral March" and "Erda's Warning" are two of the few flawless features.

Haitink: This might be seen as a disappointment. If you want great conducting, then this is for you. If you want a persuasive array of singers, look somewhere else. Haitink's conducting saves this work from being a total flop. There is nothing quite like his Rheingold & Gotterdammerung ("Siegfried's Rhine Journey" is a bit forced, but magnificent nonetheless).

Sawallisch: I guess you can say that Sawallisch is half-Karajan, half-Janowski. While he does stay true to the orchestral score like Janowski, he also puts in a little Karajan-like lyricism. At some points he loses track with orchestra and singers (as does every live recording) but Bohm has more control. This was also recorded live.

ORCHESTRA:
Solti's Vienna Philharmonic: The woodwinds are the most beautiful in Solti's Ring (the "Forest Murmurs" is clear evidence of that). French horns and Wagner tubas make this a recommended listening. The strings in "Heda Heda Hedo" could've added a bit more work, but they are strikingly spectacular everywhere else. The orchestra gives it their all in Siegfried Act Two & Three, but they are at their weakest in Walkure Act One & Three (Bohm's Bayreuth does it better). Overall, it's the loudest and certainly most bombastic out of all the Ring orchestras combined.

Bohm's Bayreuth Festival: The ultimate Wagnerian orchestra gives it their all. The brass both high and low are the most powerful, while the woodwinds are the most delicate. The strings are muffled only a few times, otherwise the eighteen anvils are perfectly loud and clear. Erda's scenes aren't as effective as Janowski's, but the entire Walkure is more successful than Janowski's when it comes to tone & technique. Overall, this orchestra is the most dramatic.

Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic: The entire orchestra sounds polished, not to say that it is bad. Indeed the drama is still there, but much of the suspense is lacking (the scenes with Fasolt and Fafner come to mind). The brass sometimes overpowers the strings, which can be a serious problem. Gotterdammerung "Three Norns" Scene sounds very mysterious, very eerie.

Goodall's English National Opera: This orchestra sounds nice, even if the sluggishness can bring them down at times. The Flight of the Valkyries doesn't sound too good in a slow tempo, but the entire orchestra does sound lucid here. Siegfried Act Two Prelude is the creepiest. All of the leitmotivs are heard loud and clear, just like in Janowski's version.

Boulez's Bayreuth Festival: While it doesn't really pack the same punches as Bohm's Bayreuth, it still delivers a stunning performance. Orchestral interaction between characters (Ex. Siegfried's motifs mixed in with Mime's motifs) fares better than Berlin's and English National's. Rhine maiden motifs are given more wit, while the Dragon motifs are played with less eeriness. Beauty makes up for the irritatingly quick "Wotan's Farewell".

Janowski's Staatskapelle Dresden: This orchestra has the same force & flair as does Boulez's Bayreuth Festival, only Dresden sounds much clearer due to the fantastic digital sound. Even minor details are heard clear in this Ring. The strings imitate the Siegfried forest very well, while the woodwinds representing the songbird are wonderful (but not as wonderful as Solti's songbird). Dresden's "Magic Fire Music" (along with Berlin's) is the most extravagant.

Levine's Metropolitan Opera: The brass and woodwinds are the true stars. The strings sound too tired to continue on in Siegfried & Gotterdammerung. The Finale to Rheingold is absolutely stunning (the trumpets and trombones will not disappoint), and the Second Act of Walkure is the most impressive, the most refined.

Haitink's Bavarian Radio Symphony: This may very well be like Metropolitan, only this sounds much more poignant. The strings sound better and the percussion sound clearer. The leitmotivs are almost never screwed up. First scene of Rheingold will take one's breath away.

Sawallisch's Bavarian State: Wrong notes in this live recording won't matter, as the entire orchestra gets everything going in all four nights at the opera. The strings never surrender to imperfection, and the winds are marvelously aligned. I just wish that some of the singers would keep up with the orchestra.

SINGERS:
-Wotan
Solti: Hans Hotter is the superior Wotan. He sounds powerful throughout the Ring (except Rheingold, in which a less stellar George London performs).

Bohm and Janowski: Theo Adam in Bohm's live recording is another treat. While he is not as equally impressive as Hotter, he can certainly conjure up everlasting emotions. Adam sounds weaker in Janowski's studio recording, but he still doesn't disappoint.

Karajan: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau plays Wotan in "Rheingold," while Thomas Stewart replaces Fischer-Dieskau in "Walkure" and "Siegfried". I don't think Fischer-Dieskau was a good choice; he sounds too humane and too light. Stewart makes an astounding improvement in both "Walkure" and "Siegfried".

Goodall: Norman Bailey has that divine spark that Hotter used to cherish. He's heavy and unblemished, and he handles the English text with flair and sheen.

Boulez: If you watch Donald McIntyre on the Centennial Ring production, then you can tell that he's a fine "industrial" Wotan. If you just hear him on CD, then you'll be disappointed. His diction is weak, his emotions are forced, and his voice sounds robotic. The DVD's will do.

Levine and Haitink: James Morris is a notch below Hotter, Adam, and Bailey, but he overpowers Fischer-Dieskau pretty much throughout the Levine's and Haitink's Ring.

Sawallisch: I may be biased, but Robert Hale just didn't do it for me. He sounded dull and tedious, and his Wotan's Farewell wasn't enough to sadden me.

-Brunnhilde
Solti and Bohm: Birgit Nilsson is the best Brunnhilde on the market. Her Valkyrie cry is delightful, and her final scene in Gotterdammerung is brilliant beyond belief.

Karajan: Regine Crespin is without a doubt one of the finest Brunnhildes after Nilsson. She's fantastic in Walkure Act Three. I just wish she stayed on as the Valkyrie later on in the Ring (Helga Dernesch is no good in Gotterdammerung, sorry to say).

Goodall: Rita Hunter is at her strongest in Walkure and Siegfried. She is at her weakest in Gotterdammerung. What may have caused her downfall in the fourth installment? "The world may never know."

Boulez: How can anyone not be impressed by the Brunnhilde of Gwyneth Jones? One can almost feel her excitement during Siegfried Act Three, and her fear in Walkure Act Three. Her weakest point is probably during her Gotterdammerung Prologue (a bit too stressed).

Janowski: Jeannine Altmeyer is basically the most controversial Brunnhilde on CD. Some people say that she's too light and weak, while others say she sounds young and very enchanting. I'm with those who think Altmeyer was a good choice, but you yourself (the shopper) are going to have to decide whether she's good or not.

Levine and Sawallisch: Hildegard Behrens is just like Nilsson and Crespin: while she's not the best, she is definitely another perfect Brunnhilde of choice. She's at her most dazzling when she performs Walkure (Levine) and Siegfried (Sawallisch).

Haitink: Hmph. I was hoping that Eva Marton would do well here. I was seriously let down by her strained singing. She does okay in "Annunciation of Death", but she is at her worst in "Immolation".

-Siegmund & Sieglinde
Let's see. For the Siegmunds, we have James King for Solti and Bohm, Jon Vickers for Karajan, Alberto Remedios for Goodall, Peter Hoffman for Boulez, Siegfried Jerusalem for Janowski, Gary Lakes for Levine, Reiner Goldberg for Haitink, and Robert Schunk for Sawallisch. For the Sieglindes, we have Regine Crespin for Solti, Leonie Rysanek for Bohm, Gundula Janowitz for Karajan, Margaret Curphy for Goodall, Jeanine Altmeyer for Boulez, Jessye Norman for both Janowski and Levine, Cheryl Studer for Haitink, and Julia Varady for Sawallisch. Hmm . . . Jerusalem is good . . . and so is Vickers . . . Janowitz is charming, and so is . . . Oh, what the heck? All the singers for Siegmund and Sieglinde are fantastic. Three exceptions, though: Goldberg and Schunk don't sound heroic enough, and Norman for Levine doesn't sound young and innocent enough.

-Siegfried
Solti and Bohm: Wolfgang Windgassen may very well be the best Siegfried for the ages. His `Forging Scene" in both renditions are defiantly inspiring. His last scene in Gotterdammerung is celestial and overwhelming.

Karajan: Jess Thomas (Siegfried) and Helge Brilioth (Gotterdammerung) may not be as ideal as Windgassen, but they do know how to be a magnificent heldentenor. Thomas pulls it off with Act One and Three.

Goodall: Wow! What a singer that Alberto Remedios! He never drags in either of the last two installments, and he uses the correct emotions in every scene that he is in.

Boulez: Is Manfred Jung a good tenor? Yes. Is he a good Heldentenor? NO. He doesn't have that heroic voice like Windgassen and Remedios. Again, the DVD's are your safest bet.

Janowski and Sawallisch: Rene Kollo's Siegfried is a poetically expressive one. In Janowski's version he sounds playful when he's in Mime's home, and he sounds willed when he's in the Gibich Hall. He is not good enough in Sawallisch's version, however. His tiresome "Forging Scene" is obvious evidence of that.

Levine: Oh, Reiner Goldberg. At least you tried. Seriously, he sounds too tedious (especially in Gotterdammerung Act Three Scene Two) and too old. Levine should've chose Kollo or Jerusalem when he recorded his studio Ring.

Haitink: Have you ever seen Siegfried Jerusalem on the Levine/Metropolitan DVD? Well, here he is again, and this time, he sings with more valor and enthusiasm. Bravo!

-Alberich
Solti and Bohm: Gustav Niedlinger has a heaviness that overwhelms a few other baritones. When he sings his only sequence in Gotterdammerung Act Two Scene One, his emotion is so pure that his son Hagen would've drowned himself in tears (Too melodramatic? Sorry about that.). The only problem is that his character sounds too one-dimensional. Alberich isn't just some cardboard-cutout bad guy. He has a very good reason why he wants to take revenge on the world. Overall, Niedlinger is amazing throughout Wagner's Ring (He deserves many awards for "Bin ich nun frei?").

Karajan: I guess you can say that Zoltan Kelemen tries his best throughout. He is not good in Rheingold, but he gets better in Siegfried and Gotterdammerung.

Goodall: Derek Hammond-Stroud is three-dimensional, but not that much. Still, he can sound very demanding in Rheingold Scene One and Siegfried Act Two Scene One.

Boulez: What we have here is the weak Alberich of Hermann Becht. When he's in Nibelheim, the authority isn't there. When he's in the Neid-Hohle forest, the creepiness isn't there. And when he's near the Gibich house, the misery isn't there. Even on DVD he's unsatisfactory.

Janowski: Siegmund Nimsgern may be the most humane Alberich yet, but it's all good. He sings with more passion than Kelemen and more robustness than Hammond-Stroud. Niedlinger's ferociousness puts him below, however. "Schaf'st du, Hagen, mein sohn?" is noteworthy.

Levine and Sawallisch: Ekkehard Wlaschiha is one hell of a vigorous Alberich. I praise him in Rheingold Scene One and Three. His performance in Siegfried (both versions) could've improved with more distrustfulness towards Mime and the Wanderer.

Haitink: No offense, but Theo Adam as Alberich? Come on . . .

-Mime
Solti and Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is the creepiest Mime ever known to humankind. This dwarf outsings other Mimes on the market. When he sings "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" his anger and fear is the most effective to almost all Ring listeners.

Bohm: Erwin Wohlfahrt wins second place. He gives a first-rate performance in Siegfried Act One, but loses some of his edge in Act Two. He is an exceptional Mime nonetheless. Look for him in Karajan's Rheingold, also.

Goodall: Gregory Dempsey isn't emotional enough. He doesn't sound fearful or depressed at all, which makes him the dullest Mime for the Ring.

Boulez and Levine: Heinz Zednik is yet another excellent Mime, VERY fun to listen to. There is much humor and eccentricity in his voice, and that's what makes his dwarf much more compelling than Dempsey's dwarf. His performance in Rheingold Scene Three is pure gold, while his performance in Siegfried (particularly "Willkommen, Siegfried!") is a stunning achievement.

Janowski: Peter Schreier is for Siegfried, while Christian Vogel is for Rheingold. Vogel is less than perfect, while Schreier is way beyond outstanding. Schreier is less ghoulish and more benevolent, more three-dimensional than Stolze and Wohlfahrt. He is equal to Zednik when it comes to humaneness and lyricism. The only flaw I can find is his handling of "Die stucken! Das Schwert!" He could've added a bit more fear in that sequence.

Haitink: Peter Haage sounds like he's entertaining young kids. His version of Mime is a bit childish, and the dark humor that the dwarf brings out sounds-over-the-top here. Nonetheless, he is still entertaining to listen to ("Wer halfe mir?" has never sounded better).

Sawallisch: Helmut Pampuch is just like Schreier and Zednik: he's very VERY good. Nuff said.

-Loge
Solti: Set Svanholm may be the weakest Loge. He is not very ominous throughout all of his scenes, and his lack of a sinister atmosphere is greatly affects the entire Rheingold. But he'll soon be forgotten later on during the Trilogy.

Bohm: Why the heck would the conductor have Wolfgang Windgassen play both Siegfried AND Loge? The demi-god needs to sound different from a son of a Walsung. Again, another Loge that's marred by lack of cunning.

Karajan: Gerhard Stolze is easily the most entertaining Loge to listen to. He has the wit, the craftiness, and the untrustworthiness that the character deserves. His scenes in Scene Three are delightful.

Goodall: Emile Belcourt isn't as good as Stolze, but he certainly can make some of the best of an English-speaking Loge.

Boulez and Haitink: I can summon Heinz Zednik's performance in just three words: Brilliant Beyond Belief!

Janowski: Peter Schreier is the most eccentric out of all of them, and that's a fact. Much of his singing involves imagination, peril, vengeance, and deviousness. Belcourt and Zednik depend only on vengeance and deviousness, Stolze only imagination and deviousness, Windgassen and Svanholm only peril. His odd conversations with Alberich and the gods/goddesses are classic.

Levine: Siegfried Jerusalem doesn't seem like a good choice for Loge. He's better off playing Siegmund or Siegfried, but not a demi-god.

Sawallisch: Robert Tear is on par with Stolze and Zednik. Sometimes he takes things too low, but all is forgiven with his management of character development.

-Everyone Else
Uh-huh, what can I say? Everyone else does a good job in all Ring recordings. Matti Salminen is the perfect Hagen (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch), while Kirsten Flagstad is the most brilliant Fricka (Solti). Anja Silja is the most memorable Freia (Bohm), while Kurt Moll makes the most fabulous Hunding yet (Janowski, Levine, and Sawallisch). The Norns and Rheinmaidens do a splendid job in Solti, Janowski, and Levine. The Vassals (male choir) are at their unsurpassed in Bohm, Goodall, and Boulez. The only flawed Erda is Anne Collins (Goodall), maybe too light and too heavy at times. All in all, no one here is graded C or lower.

CONCLUSION: I have yet to listen to Barenboim's Bayreuth presentation, Neuhold's Badische version, and the essential mono recordings (Furtwangler, Krauss, etc.), but I'm pretty sure that have their advantages and disadvantages. So there you have it. We have the histrionic Solti, the energetic Bohm, the otherworldly Karajan, the spacious Goodall, the industrialized Boulez, the truthful Janowski, the unhurried Levine, the abnormal Haitink, and the serious Sawallisch Rings. They have their own authenticities and setbacks, and they certainly have their own significances for Ring listeners everywhere.

The Box Set: Wagner: The Ring Cycle (Box Set)
The Rhinegold (Part 1): Wagner: The Rhinegold
Siegfried (Part 3): Siegfried (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)
Twilight of the Gods (Part 4): The Twilight of the Gods (Goodall Ring Cycle/Chandos Opera in English)

Breathtaking, powerful, accessible, not just an alternative.......2005-05-03

This is one of three Walkure's in my collection: the very underrated Leinsdorf, the thrilling Boehm and this one with Goodall. I believe Goodall is right up there with the best of them. Remedios, Hunter and Bailey sing beautifully and with sufficient drama. I'll go out on a musical limb and say I believe Bailey is one of the finest Wotan's on disc. Many will disagree but I think he has the measure of the role, the power to pull it off and a burnished timber that never becomes coarse under powerful climaxes... Remedios may well be the star of the trilogy along with Hunter and Bailey. His Siegmund is beautifully sung and his Siegfried by the way, is no mean stint either. Would that we had tenors that could sing Siegfried without sounding stretched beyond their limits. I am continually puzzled by the bad reviews that the orchestra playing receives from ARG, Classics Today and a few others. The ENO is not a Concertgebouw or Vienna Philharmonic but I think they play beautifully, a few clinkers notwithstanding. For a live show, they do a pretty d..... good job. THe sound from both orchestra and singers is exceptionally fine. This set belong in your collection if you like Wagner and, Die Walkure, in particular. If I had been at the performance in the 1970's I would have come home very happy, satisfied and richer for the experience.

Absolutely Breathtaking!.......2002-09-13

I had long cringed at the thought of this magnificant masterpiece recorded in English. Even after reading several rave reviews on this cylce that I've read by authoritive Wagnerites and critics, I was still skeptical. Finally, I decided to add Goodall's 'Ring' as my third complete cycle (after Solti & Bohm) for one reason: because it was in English and I felt it would enhance my understand of 'The Ring.' In fact, after achieving that "higher understanding" I was planning on selling this set on Ebay. That was, of course, before I heard this magnificant recording.

During the course of my research on 'The Goodall Ring' most of the praised seemed to heighten around 'Siegfried,' which is my absolute favorite of the cycle. That also helped to seal the deal. As the critics said, 'Siegfried' under Goodall is excellent, but not as monumental as Solti's reading, which IMHO is the greatest recording of 'Siegfried.'

The set that stands out, to me, in 'The Goodall Ring' is this recording; The Valkyrie. It is absolutely breathtaking. Not only is it my favorite of this set, it is my favorite Valkyrie recording period (I am very familiar with Boehm's, Solti's, Karajan's, Furthwanglers, Levines, and others). Alberto Remedios (Siegmund here and Siegfried in the last two operas) is truly magnificant. It is the best Siegmund I have heard on disc (and his Siegfried rivals Windgassen). Coupled with Margaret Curphey (Sieglinde), you get the most beautiful and moving duo I have heard on record. The duet in Act I is simply glorious. You also get the bonus of Norman Bailey's triumphant Wotan (and Wanderer too). He has such command and prescene. He sounds like a God. Throw in Rita Hunter, who holds her own as Brunnhilde, Goodall's miraculous conducting, and excellent playing by the orchestra and it all adds up to a stunning recording.

I can only say that in a way it's a shame this set is in English. Were it not, I believe Goodall's 'Ring' would be one of the most talked about, popular, and sought after complete recordings of the cycle. I can only say that I am so happy that I finally opened up to opera recorded in a different language than written.

I have fallen completely in love with Goodall's entire cycle. And, I have fallen in love with 'The Ring' all over again.

A powerful reading of the most moving opera in the Ring........2001-08-30

This performance of *Die Valkure,* the second and most popular opera in Wagner's Ring Cycle, is musically splendid. Its special significance, however, is that it is sung in English. An English performance of the Ring is perhaps more important than that of any other opera(s), because Wagner's libretti are suffused with his ideas about society, fate, justice, and love. Even if (at times) you need to read along to understand what the singers are saying, *hearing* the lyrics in English is truly stirring in a way that performances in your non-native language cannot match.
A particular stand-out on this recording is the Wotan. His timbre, diction, and delivery perfectly embody the troubled god who tries desperately, and in vain, to keep the world under his control. His angst and wrath are utterly convincing.

The power of Wagner's music drama is now fully accessible.......2001-01-30

I have never been a fan of opera in translation, but I must say that Andrew Porter's rendering of The Ring in English is amazing. He uses modern, not archaic, English, and the word choice is so very earthy and Germanic that the noble yet somewhat severe atmosphere of the Teutonic myths is conveyed perfectly. The sound, in other words, is an elegantly Germanic, and totally appropriate for the music and the Story it tells. It is not true that you can't understand the English anyway, because you can understand if you care to pay any attention at all. The translation is lucid, and so it the marvelous singing that conveys it.

Goodall's sense of music drama is lush, and takes some getting used to after the crash-and-burn Solti set, but after a time or two it seems just right. Goodall is not always slower than the rest, either; for example, the famous Ride of the Valkyries that begins Act III is quicker than Solti's surprisingly slow and heavy account. It is the most exciting that I have heard--and I have heard quite a few--but it is not so fast that the power is lost in favor of urgency.

This is not an urgent Die Walkure, and it is all the better for it. Goodall takes the time to actually tell the story, and is sensitive to the drama's needs over what could be called convention. For example, Wotan's Farewell doesn't thunder out after Brunnhilde's final declamation, like in so many recordings; rather, Goodall's interpretation is more dreamy, mysterious, and appropriately trance-like, in keeping with the action on stage.

I own the complete Solti Ring, but I must say I will be the first in line to get each new installment of this remarakable Ring as soon they hit the shelves. If you are new to Wagner, and are willing to make the plunge into a complete Ring, then start with this one and see if you want to continue. This recording is definitely one of the great Rings, and the superb translation will open up the work in ways that following the libretto just won't. I promise that you won't be able to put this one away easily. Get it!

Music Track:

Music Track

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