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Wagner: The Ring Cycle. Diffinitive Lp Pressing?

After looking for a complete (slightly abused) volume of Sir Georg Solti's studio version on Decca in vain here in the states for some time now I see Testament Records is pressing Joseph Keilberth's live version of this Wagner masterpiece on vinyl as a 19 record set in the near future. Many performances appear on those shiny little silver discs and unfortunately that is the way I have been introduced to four versions of this opera conducted by Karajan, Clemens Kraus, Karl Bohm, and lastly Georg Solti. My query is this, what do you think of the current selection of available media quality CD, Lp, etc, then interpretation and performance, and finally pressing quality on vinyl. What is the definitive collection to own, if there is just one? I presently prefer Solti with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on Decca vinyl both for sound quality (especially the air and dynamics) and performance although I admit there is much debate about the different performances. Some say Solti/Decca have the best recording of all time, with great names that were well past their prime and left the performance somewhat flat and two dimensional while others accuse him of being too bombastic as in his other ventures. Understanding performance differences is still my weak spot as I am relatively new to opera and this is one huge undertaking, but I enjoy what I hear.
What do you think?

Happy Listening!
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mre2007
90 posts
 
One strong vote for Solti! I agree with your statement praising its sound quality. My second pick would be Leopold Stokowski, though I doubt few die-hards would agree with me on that one ;)
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logenn
91 posts
 
I agree with Rushton and Rcprince regarding the Solti/Decca sound quality; however I also like his performance.

The Bohm version on Phillips is preferred by many as the best contemporary performance with good sonics.

The Feutwangler La Scala 1950 recording is considered the benchmark, however. This recording benefits from Feutwangler's tempo, DeSabita's orchestra at La Scala, and classic nordic Wagnerian singers, with the apparant blending magical.The LP recording is adequate but lacking in dynamics. With a good turntable it is still engaging.
auaarons
94 posts
 
Consider enjoying the performance of the Ring cycle on DVD. Viewing the operas, rather than just hearing them, helped me develop new perspectives of the essence within.

I am not sure if any of the complete performances mentioned above are avaiable on DVD, but the performance by Pierre Boulez is highly enjoyable.

Karajan's performance of Das Rheingold was available on Laser Video Disc more than 10 years ago. I hope that performance will become available on DVD in the future.
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rushton
2,445 posts
 
Rcprince, I'm kicking myself that I missed an opportunity to meet you at Lloyd Walker's house a couple of weeks ago. I was there for a little over an hour and did manage to meet Arnie B. Sorry I didn't know you were there so I could introduce myself.

All the best,
rcprince
3,061 posts
 
Rush: Actually, I did meet you briefly, I had the Vaughn Williams Tallis Fantasia, and was about to go into the listening room with you when I had to go pick up one of our members whose car had broken down; you had left by the time I could get back. I'm sorry I couldn't talk more with you. I'll e-mail you separately, want to ask you a bit more about Lloyd's turntable.
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