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Wagner: Die Walküre / Kaufmann, Stemme, Gergiev


Release Date: 02/12/2013 
Label:  Mariinsky   Catalog #: 527   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Richard Wagner
Performer:  René Pape,  Jonas Kaufmann,  Anja Kampe,  Ekaterina Gubanova,   ... 
Conductor:  Valery Gergiev
Orchestra/Ensemble:  St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater Orchestra
Number of Discs: 4 
Recorded in: Multi 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews

This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.

The Mariinsky label presents its most ambitious project to date and one of the most eagerly awaited musical events in a long time: the first release of Valery Gergiev conducting Wagner's epic Ring Cycle, 'Die Walkure'.

Recorded in the sumptuous acoustic of the Mariinsky Concert Hall, the cycle will feature a sensational cast, helping create the most finely crafted Ring cycle of modern times. 'Die Walkure' was recorded during sessions and performances in 2011 and 2012 and stars Anja Kampe, Jonas Kaufmann, Rene Pape, Nina Stemme, Mikhail Petrenko and Ekaterina Gubanova. It will be followed in September 2013 by 'Das Rheingold', Read more with 'Siegfried' and 'Gotterdammerung' completing the cycle in 2014.

The Mariinsky Theatre has close connections with Wagner and his music, since the composer conducted at the theatre and was even offered the post of Music Director. It is also believed to be the first place where any of the music from the Ring was performed.

R E V I E W S:

Opera Choice of the Month ***** Performance ***** Recording ‘The Mariinsky Orchestra plays in vital form, its distinctive brass sound and succulent strings still yielding flashes of raw power at Valery Gergiev’s hand … So far this recalls, and must rank with, the great Rings of the 1960s. More, please.’ BBC Music Magazine (UK)

‘His conducting reminds one of Solti, not the blaring raucous Solti of later years but the one who conducted that first defining recorded Ring cycle back in the 50s and 60s … Gergiev reveals himself as a true Wagnerian.’ Wagner News (UK)

‘Mr Gergiev conveys the depth, breath and weightiness of this masterpiece.’ New York Times

‘Stemme has the measure of her role in spades and her strong, pure, just slightly chilled tones deliver memorably the great curve of Act 3 – fear, defiance, guilt, more defiance to almost flirtation.’ Gramophone (UK)

‘Gergiev whips his orchestra into waves and waves of such ecstasy that one is reminded of the miracles Furtwängler used to produce... The ominous, frightening minutes prior to the crucial fight [in Act II] is so ridden with anxiety that an electric charge can be felt in the air. What follows in Act III is a rousing Ride of the Walkyries in sonic splendour and a most heartrending Wotan’s Farewell sung by probably today’s greatest, most intelligent and powerful Wotan, René Pape.’ WholeNote Magazine (Canada) Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Die Walküre by Richard Wagner
Performer:  René Pape (Bass), Jonas Kaufmann (Tenor), Anja Kampe (Soprano),
Ekaterina Gubanova (Mezzo Soprano), Nina Stemme (Soprano), Mikhail Petrenko (Bass)
Conductor:  Valery Gergiev
Orchestra/Ensemble:  St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theater Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1856; Germany 

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