Wagner: Die Walkure · Modl, Rysanek, Frantz, Suthaus [Furtwangler] 1954 [3 CD]

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Wagner: Die Walkure · Modl, Rysanek, Frantz, Suthaus [Furtwangler] 1954 [3 CD]

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This memorable 1954 recording of Die Walküre was both the first complete studio recording of the opera, and the last studio recording made by Wilhelm Furtwängler, who would die less than two months later. The first review of the recording, in the September 1955 issue of The Gramophone described Furtwängler and the Vienna Philharmonic as “the bright particular stars of this performance … every department of the finest quality … so [the opera] shines and glows with light and warmth under Furtwängler’s inspired direction”. There are no better illustrations of Furtwängler’s lasting reputation than this Walküre and his superb 1952 and 1953 recordings of Tristan und Isolde (Naxos 8.110321-24) and Fidelio (Naxos 8.111020-21), Furtwängler’s only studio recordings of complete operas. - www.classicsonline.com

In all the excitement over the Keilberth Ring on Testament, it would be unfair to overlook other historic Wagner reissues. This was the first complete studio recording (1954, mono) of Die Walküre and the last studio recording made by Furtwängler who died two months later. The VPO's playing is magnificent throughout. Ludwig Suthaus and Leonie Rysanek after an uncertain start are thrilling as Siegmund and Sieglinde. Suthaus's 'Wintersturme' is something to dream about. Gottlob Frick, with his dark menacing tone, remains the ideal Hunding. Ferdinand Frantz's Wotan is reliable but not as commanding as Hotter. He rises to the occasion in the Farewell in Act 3. Martha Modl's Brünnhidle is at her best here, too. She is occasionally squally, but her characterisation is riveting. - Sunday Telegraph