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