My favourite is Wagner’s Ring Cycle conducted by, Daniel Barenboim on Warner Classics, 14 CD’s and also on DVD. It is probably the best of the modern Ring Cycles and whilst maybe not wipe the floor with Solti’s Ring Cycle it is definitely head and shoulders above it sound wise. In The new one it has in it’s Wotan a magisterial John Tomlinson whose first entry in Das Reingold sets the hairs rising on the back of your neck. This is a live performance from Bayreuth in the 90s so there is quite a bit of noise on stage but easily forgiven when you start listening. The sound from the orchestra has you on the edge of your seat, This is not a set of operas to lull you to sleep. Barenboim is superb, rarely have I heard Seigfried’s Death and funeral march so full of tragedy yet so beautifuly played. There are so many wonderfull things going on that the time flies in and you are at Gotterdamerung before you know it and yes I have listened to it in a full sitting.
Favourite Opera Recordings
I know Opera doesn't float many boats, but it does for me. To any other opera lovers out there, which are your favourite recordings. That can be for quality of recording, the singing, the music, anything.
My own favourites are;
Puccini's La Boheme, the Beecham recording from 1958 on HMV I believe. As legend has it, knocked out in an afternoon. That is largely for the Principals, Jussi Bjoorling and Victtoria De Los Angeles, what perfect voices
Richard Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier on EMI, with Von Karajan and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. Again, what a voice and what a wonderful opera.
Verdi Il Trovatore, with Leontyne Price, Domingo, Sherril Milnes and Florenza Cossotto, on RCA.
As a compliation I found in a second hand shop years ago Mozart, Die Schonsten Opernarien. A german recording on EMI, the quality of the recording and playing is remarkable.
These ae all vinyl, but CD SACD, it doesn't matter.
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