Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Bjoner, Roar, Adam, Cox, King, Rysanek, Fassbaender, Ridderbusch, Hofmann; Sawallisch. München, 1977
Description: A very impressive cast was assembled for this Ring Cycle. Ingrid Bjoner, long associated with the Bavarian State Opera, delivers stunning performances as Brünnhilde, her powerful tones retaining a youthful sheen throughout. Jean Cox brings movie-star charisma to Siegfried; while his tone can be somewhat monochromatic, he never loses the lyricism of his voice, even under great vocal strain. Leif Roar's handsome baritone is an excellent fit for the Rheingold Wotan, while veteran Theo Adam draws on his extensive experience in the cycle for commanding portrayals in Walküre and Siegfried. A young Peter Hofmann offers one of the most beautifully sung Loges on record. Leonie Rysanek and James King rekindle their celebrated chemistry as Sieglinde and Siegmund. The rest of the cast is an embarrassment of riches: Brigitte Fassbaender as Fricka, Franz Crass as Fasolt, Zoltan Kélémen as Alberich, Kurt Moll as Hunding, and Astrid Varnay in a memorable turn as the first Norn. In Stereo