Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Dernesch, Esser, Vermeersch, Watson, Stamm, Kélémen, Coster, Synek; Wallat. Köln, 1972
Description: On paper, a Ring Cycle of this caliber might seem unlikely to come from a city like Cologne, but this performance proves otherwise. The entire company delivers a cycle that would do any top-tier opera house proud. The orchestra plays with conviction and attention to detail—even if the occasional wrong note slips through—and benefits from the assured leadership of Hans Wallat. By 1972, Helga Dernesch’s soprano was clearly beginning its transition into mezzo territory, her middle voice deepening in richness and color compared to her earlier collaborations with von Karajan. Yet she still commands the role, and though some of the top notes seem just out of reach, her gleaming tone and musical intelligence more than compensate. Notably, unlike in the Karajan Salzburg cycle, she sings all three Brünnhildes, including Die Walküre. Jef Vermeersch brings both gravitas and vocal allure to Wotan, while Hermin Esser tackles the punishing role of Siegfried with fearless projection and