Das Rheingold (CD): Georg Solti, George London, Set Svanholm, Gustav Neidlinger, Paul Kuen, Kirsten Flagstad
Conductor Georg Solti
Wotan George London
Donner Eberhard Wächter
Froh Waldemar Kmentt
Loge Set Svanholm
Alberich Gustav Neidlinger
Mime Paul Kuen
Fasolt Walter Kreppel
Fafner Kurt Böhme
Fricka Kirsten Flagstad
Freia Claire Watson
Erda Jean Madeira
Woglinde Oda Balsborg
Wellgunde
Hetty Plümacher
Flosshilde Ira Malaniuk
Wiener Philharmoniker
Recorded in Sofiensaal, Wien, 24 September – 8 October, 1958
Reviews
The immediacy and precise placing are thrilling, while the sound-effects of the final scenes, including Donner's hammer blow and the rainbow bridge, have never been matched since. Solti gives a magnificent reading of the score, crisp, dramatic and direct. Vocally, the set is held together by the unforgettable singing of Neidlinger as Alberich. He vocalizes with wonderful precision and makes the character of the dwarf develop from the comic creature of the opening scene to the demented monster of the last. Flagstad learned the part of Fricka especially for this recording,and her makes one regret that she never took the role on the stage. George London is sometimes a little rough, but this is a dramatic portrayal of the young Wotan. Svanholm could be more characterful as Loge, but again it is a relief to hear the part really sung. An outstanding achievement.
The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
The operas in the Solti Ring:
Das Rheingold
Die Walküre
Siegfried
Götterdämmerung