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Amazon.co.uk
Modern storage media (CD/DVD) offer both high fidelity and great reliability in the playback of music. Yet only a bit more than a generation ago, the possibilities inherent in the long-playing record inspired John Culshaw, a young producer for Decca, to attempt the most ambitious recording project ever contemplated up to that time--a complete studio recording of the Ring. Though other Rings were issued after this landmark enterprise, none have equalled the Decca Ring in popularity. There are those who prefer live performances, or who feel that the sound and theatrical effects in this recording are overdone; nonetheless this remains the benchmark Ring, as shown by its seemingly endless re-release schedule. The Ring effort was high profile at the time and helped nail down Sir Georg Solti's status as a "superstar" conductor and authoritative interpreter of the Wagnerian repertory. Another key contributor to the success of the project was the uniform excellence in the casting. Definitive performances given include Neidlinger's nietzschean Alberich, Stolze's whining Mime, Boehme's rumbling Fafnir, along with Nilsson in her prime-more a force of nature than a human voice. The care lavished on the capture of the music was unmatched at the time of the recording, and still leaves this as one of the best sounding Rings even today, when the oldest part (Rheingold) has reached its fortieth anniversary. --Christian C. Rix
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
79 of 82 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Of the 15 or so complete Rings + numerous recordings of the separate operas that sit on my shelves, this was the first I acquired, originally bought as the sets were issued. So is it just because these were the performances from which I learnt my Ring that this is the version I still return to most often? Krauss is probably the best available performance, but the sound is fragile and friable. Windgassen and Nilsson are both more exciting in the live environment of Bohm's recording, but I'd like to shoot that prompter. Goodall is full, for me, of memories in the theatre and provides the best large-scale symphonic view, but his orchestra is good rather than great. Boulez is, as always, refreshing and elucidating, but let down by the quality of his singers.
So I keep coming back to Solti. Not perfect by any means, but still the best combination of sound, performance, interpretation and production you'll find. The casting is top-notch and often inspired - from Flagstad's first glorious Fricka in Rheingold to Fischer-Dieskau's flawed and vulnerable Gunther (he once famously described Gotterdammerung as 'a family tragedy'). Rhinemaidens, Valkyries and Norns include many a future Brunnhilde and the like - the Waldvogel is no less than Joan Sutherland!
Solti's conducting, much hailed at the time of release, has come in for increasing criticism over the years. Yes, he can be a bit hard-driven: yes, he can be too episodic: yes, he can pile pilion on ossa at some of the climaxes (though not as much as in the theatre). But he undoubtedly has a vision of the whole work which he sticks to. And he does draw the most glorious sounds and playing from the Vienna Philharmonic.
And then there's the contribution of John Culshaw and his team. The sound, even after all these years, is still about the best you can get in these works - clean and analytical but also full-bodied with masses of depth and perspective. More than a match for later studio recordings like Levine and Haitink. And the production and effects still work, too - from Rheingold's anvils to that famous distant rumble of thunder on Brunnhilde's rock that had Solti looking out of the control room window - not to mention the collapse of the Gibichung Hall; a real cartridge-tester, that, in the days of vinyl).
Put it all together and this remains the best all-round recommendation for a first Ring. 'The greatest achievement of gramophone history' it was called at the release of Gotterdammerung. Probably it still is. But I wouldn't want to be without quite a few of those other 14 versions on the shelf - it can get addictive, this Ring business.
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Believe it or not, I first heard this version during the mid 1960s. At that time, I knew that this version was way ahead of its time, in production and performance. And now for the wonders of advance technology, digital recording, it sounds even better. Culshaw and Solti combined to produce a monumental work in performance and sound exactly as Wagner would have wanted. Hence the sound effects, and the wonderful atmosphere it generates. The singing is superb. Birgit Nilsson is a brilliant Brunnhilde, ably supported by Wolfgang Windgasson as Siegfried. In a way, I am glad this version still exists allowing a new generation of listeners an opportunity of experiencing this production. All others since have been good in their own way, but this surpasses all of them and will probably never be beaten for style and quality. Still sounds wonderful despite the fact that The Rhinegold was first recorded more than 40 years ago. Everybody who loves Opera should listen to this.
51 of 55 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD
This DECCA recording is still the standard by which all other Ring's should be compared. The first time I heard it 10 years ago it made the hairs on my neck stand on end. Solti and Culshaw created a truly dramatic interpretation, and its power is undiminished after countless listenings. Among the countless highlights for me are the preludes, such as the prelude to Act III of Siegfried; you can hear Wotan's desperation as he rides. The use of steerhorns in Gotterdammerung conveys perfectly the sense of impending doom for the wedding party. The performances are outstanding, especially Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried, who was a last minute stand-in after the preferred tenor showed no interest in singing! The background to this recording is as remarkable as the performances themselves. Stolze was extremely ill during Seigfried; there was an orhcestra revolt; Wotan's Farewell and Magic Fire Music was recorded by completely drunken orchestra players; Birgit Nilsson refused to do Gotterdammerung at first; etc, etc. These are some of the reasons why I love this recording. Out of adversity comes great art. That is not to say this Ring is not flawed. Technically, it is superb considering its age, but I find Solti's tempo is hurried in parts where it should not be hurried, whereas other conductors such as the Met's Levine draw out the power of some motives by controlling their tempo (e.g. the Curse motive). Solti's main success is Gotterdammerung, from start to finish that music drama has not been bettered by anyone. So turn off the phone, draw the curtains, press play and get ready to be involved in a great story told with great music by great players.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best recording ever, to date
The quality of the original recordings must have been ace as the digital remastering is of the highest quality. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs C Beaumont
5.0 out of 5 stars
Der Ring des Nibelunger CD's
Good value for money. Received in good time. Wonderful recording with good soloists and great atmosphere. Thoroughly recommend this recording for Wagner enthusiasts.
Published 13 months ago by operabuff
5.0 out of 5 stars
There is STILL no better sounding Ring Cycle-and the balance is now...
So much has been written about this epic set in the last 50 years that there is very little anyone can add. Read more
Published 16 months ago by D. S. CROWE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect Ring?
Is there a perfect recorded version of the Ring cycle?
Were Wagner alive maybe he would suggest, diplomatically I am sure, that a Bayreuth version would be ideal. Read more
Were Wagner alive maybe he would suggest, diplomatically I am sure, that a Bayreuth version would be ideal. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Robert Brook
5.0 out of 5 stars
After year still on top line
It seems that for Solti and staff, the time never pass.
It is true the sound could not be compared with the nowadays, but think... Read more
It is true the sound could not be compared with the nowadays, but think... Read more
Published on 7 May 2011 by Pedro Maria Tapia Andres
4.0 out of 5 stars
A 'Ring' to cut your teeth on...
No matter how much ink has been expended over the merits (or otherwise) of the Solti Ring, it still continues to evoke fiercely divided opinion. Read more
Published on 9 April 2011 by David Vickers.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Safe Bet
The first Ring cylce recorded in the studio, with stereo plotting. A legendary recording and a milestone in the history of the gramophone. Read more
Published on 29 Jan 2011 by Wakefield, 2011
5.0 out of 5 stars
As profound as we'd hope for
Deeply satisfied by it all (all that I've so far worked through). Wolfgang Windgassen's Siegfried is my highspot - measured performance that shifts gears with heart-tugging pace. Read more
Published on 29 Aug 2010 by S. Gibbs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterpiece.
This is a masterpiece indeed and adding to all the comments made by other contributors would be futile. Read more
Published on 27 May 2010 by S. Connor
3.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular, but the best?
Yes, another 3 star review. I was going to go lower but the quality of the playing - in spite of Solti - and some of the singing is superb. Read more
Published on 13 April 2010 by D. Beaver
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