This release is the audio artifact of a live video production released earlier. It has come to be known as the 'Stuttgart Ring'. While the stage production was been justly critized for it's ultra-irrelevant style, we do not need to concern ourselves with those issues. We can allow our imagination to fill the spectral void from the audio sound stage alone. This is much to our and this recording's benefit. Generally, the vocal resources are consistant with what we can expect in this time's talent state of Wagnerian singing. The hero of this recording is the conductor--Lothar Zagrosek. He keeps the pace moving forward and dramatic. No dilly-dallying here. The Stuttgart Staatsoper Orchestra sounds top notch.
Since it is a live staged production, there are multiple surprise sword droppings, heavy footfalls, page turnings, thumping, and typical stage noise. Otherwise it has been a joy to listen to. A wide sound stage, electric atmosphere, superior stereo engineering, and excellent orchestral playing deserves a four star award. I enjoyed it very well.