Dear All, I listened to the Knappertsbusch live Gotterdammerung on its 50th
anniversary (4th August 1951) and had the following thoughts:

- I can't understand why some think Kna is too slow or inflexible in
Wagner.  Here he achieves great tension and use of rubatto.  If you listen
to the final moments of Act II alone they are slow.  When you listen to the
whole Act they have sweep, fire and excitement.  The transition from the
Norns to the opening duet is miraculous.  Solti is hopelessly outclassed by
this level of conducting and insight.  I listened to the Bohm Norn scene in
comparison and it was also embarrasing how Bohm skipped over phrases and
crescendos that Kna sees intuituvely.

- Varnay is not my favourite Bruinhilde.  I prefer Modl who is here a
thrilling Norn #3 and Gutrune.  However the sheer characterisation Varnay
brings to the role is magnificent.  I love the curdling scorn at the end of
Act II and bitterness at the end of Act I.  Also, of course, the stunning
marshalling of resources she brings to the Immolation.

- The sound is very exciting - I prefer it to the modern sets, apart from
the Barenboim Gotterdammerung.  The orchestra sound a bit tired at the end.

- If only Furtwangler and not Karajan had conducted the second 1951 cycle.

- I have read of another taped Ring cycle made by Decca at Bayreuth -
Keilberth's in 1955.  This starred Varnay and Hotter (imagine the end of
Walkure!) and was in stereo.  Can anyone confirm this? I wonder if there
is any chance it will be rescued from the vaults like the magnificent
Testament Gotterdammerung.

On its 50th birthday, what do others think of this recording?

Kind regards,

David Harbin
Nottingham, UK