CD1

2. Es gibt ein Schwert, das er nicht zerschwänge Listen now (MP3 859k)

Mime the Nibelung troll, sung by Richard Greager, has sung of his wearisome work, forging weapons fit for a giant yet the insolent youth, Siegfried,  just laughs and snaps them in two. In this excerpt he sings that he knows of one sword that would be up to the task, the shattered Notung. If only I could forge those broken pieces.

20. In springenden Funken sprühet sie auf Listen now (MP3 1.1mb)

Siegfried, sung by Gary Rideout. In total disregard of his teacher, Mime’s, art Siegfried, has filed down the broken pieces of Notung, melted them over the fierce flames and forges Notung anew.

CD2

12. Da lieg', neidliches Kerl! Listen now (MP3 879k)

In search of adventure Siegfried has accidentally awakened Fafner, who in the form of a dragon jealously guards his Nibelung gold. Siegfried cheerfully tells Fafner that he has no wish to be his breakfast and characteristically deals with the situation by slaying Fafner with his newly remade sword Notung.

CD3

2. Wache, wala! Listen now (MP3 805k)

A furious Wotan, sung by John Bröcheler, calls to awaken the Earth Goddess Erda from her slumbers and ask her council. Wotan and Erda’s daughter conceived in rape lies in an enchanted sleep and surrounded by magic fire ensuring that only the greatest hero can rescue her. Unfortunately the hero is Wotan’s grandson Siegfried, the love child of his incestuous children.

3. Stark Ruft Listen now (MP3 1mb)

Erda, sung by Liane Keegan, is awakened from slumber by Wotan’s call.

CD4

1. Heil dir, Sonne! Listen now (MP3 1mb)

Brünnhilde, sung by Lisa Gasteen, awakens from her enchanted slumber. She greets her first day as a mortal and her rescuer, Siegfried, whose newly conceived life she had saved in the last act of Die Walküre. It was Brünnhilde’s attempt to save Siegfried’s father and her successfully whisking away his mother that led to her banishment from the Gods.