The Ring der Nibelungen – Wagner – Furtwangler – Arkadia – 18 LPs

$

25

Der Ring der Nibelungen – Richard Wagner – The Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala – Directed by Wilhelm Furtwangler – Milan, Italy.

Live Performance Recordings at La Scala:

Das Rheingold – March 4, 1950

Die Walkure – March 9, 1950

Siegfried – March 22, 1950

Gotterdammerung -April 4, 1950.

Remaster by Arkadia and pressed by Fonit Centra 1983 – CFE 101 - Italy

Among the conductors who attempted “The Ring” not long after World War II (including Kripps, von Karajan and Solti), it is Wilhelm Furtwangler who seems most shrouded in lore. This may be because of his early death in 1954, or, as some claim, because of his unmatched mastery in direction of Wagnerian opera.

He recorded two “Rings” after the war, and certainly the 1953 (Rome) production is considered sonically superior to this – the 1950 (Milan) version. But as the NY Times pointed out in its review on the occasion of both performances remastering and issuance on CD, “then there is Kirsten Flagstad...” who takes on the role of Brunhild in this set.

So this “live concert” recording should be considered foremost on its historic merits. Certainly, the remastering by Arkadia for CD release and this vinyl pressing by Fonit Centra brought improvements over its original LP release and the budget, 11-record Murray Hill edition that elected to go the false economy route and squeezed up 43 minutes per side. Both are considered by many as unlistenable.

As worthy as the heroics were of the Arkadia sound engineers, there is really no getting around the built in deficiencies of the microphone placements at the time of the recording. So we are occasionally left with a principle singer sounding as if they're planted in the next parish over. But then just as often we luck out when marks are hit near the microphones and we get a very direct projection from the likes of Set Svanholm and Kirsten Flagstad.

The previous owner of this 18 lp set had a penchant for affixing ¾ inch red id stickers to one side of all his records. I've considered removing them, but, in the end, didn't want to risk damaging the labels. The first two operas, Das Rheingold & Das Walkure have areas of scuffing on the surfaces of some of the records – hence the EX- rating which is purely on a visual basis. I have replayed all sides of this set and there is absolutely no audible penalty for this scuffing.

All sleeves, boxes and inserts, aside from some slight yellowing are in glossy, Near Mint condition.

This set will be well-packed and promptly shipped.

Should you be unhappy with this purchase, I will refund the full purchase price plus outbound shipping. You would still be responsible for return postage.

This auction is for the U.S. only. Thank You