| Die Walküre - Review Excerpts |
The Birmingham Post (UK) (October 2007) "Theatrical atmosphere and a feeling of stage movement add to the impact of this moving presentation... Beautifully presented, with a usefully informative insert-book, this is a Walküre to cherish... ***** (5 stars)" Opera Today (USA) (16 September 2007) "an exciting performance of Die Walküre with a young cast, whose enthusiasm is one of its assets... a remarkable effort from the State Opera of South Australia... the fine sound quality of this hybrid SACD helps in delivering the nuances of the performances." Anaclase (France) (April 2007) "Asher Fisch masterly depicts the moods of the most operatic of the Wagnerian episodes, thanks to remarkable dynamic range and dramatic breath. We can hear fire, heroism, danger love, rebellion and urgency right from the 1st act prelude... Every detail of the orchestral matter is used to serve the drama..." Stereophile (USA) (March 2007) "Deborah Riedel's Sieglinde is passionate and full-voiced throughout her range... Stuart Skelton's Siegmund... is something special: a clear, dark, genuinely lyric heldentenor... full of emotional vulnerability... the voice is gorgeous." Turok's Choice (USA) (February 2007) "brilliantly recorded... The Adelaide Symphony... plays with virtuosity... Asher Fisch leads a crisp, carefully phrased performance..." Fanfare (USA) (January / February 2007) "excellent blend and balance... superbly prepared orchestra... Tonally, the recording is exquisite with voices richly characterized... A very good Die Walküre and essential, I’d say, for any Wagner-lover who values the aural experience of the composer’s art." Opera (UK) (January 2007) "A significant moment in the history of opera in Australia, a fine performance, very well recorded." The Adelaide Review (January 2007) "The results are something far beyond one might imagine... a powerfully fresh, gripping interpretation... the singing is magnificent throughout... a very special release... it oozes quality and is worth every cent." Opus (Canada) (December / January 2007) "above all, it was the conducting of Asher Fisch that made this Ring so special. It is not going too far to say that he ranks among the finest Ring conductors of our time... Melba's sound - truly sensational... [a] magnificent achievement... every self-respecting Ringaholic will want [it]... Performance and Sound: ***** (5 stars)" HDTV Etc. (USA) (December / January 2007) "an audiophile's dream... The performances are breathtaking... Truly exquisite!... Technical rating: A+" Sunday Herald Sun "Best CD 2006" (Australia) (31 December 2006) Bob Crimeen's No. 2 "Die Walküre: Melbourne's Melba label takes Wagner to the world - triumphantly." Münchner Merkur "Surprise Walküre from Australia" (Germany) (12 December 2006) "This recording does away with the idea that Wagner can only really be performed in Europe... conductor Asher Fisch sits on warm-blooded, never too offensive, sonorous and deliberate speeds. A surprising Wagner treat." Les APB (Belgium) "CD of the Month" (December 2006) "This Walküre deserves a top shelve of your record library... A unique aspect of the recording is the SACD technique used that magnifies the sound, giving it relief and depth. You have never heard in your life such a 'Ride of the Valkyries', prancing, jumping, neighing, calling and thundering forth." Positive Feedback Online "Writer's Choice Awards 2006" (USA) (December 2006) "Decca made history in the late 1950s and early 1960s and Melba is making history in 2006 and 2007 with the release of these four monster operas. Oh, how do the first two sound? Outstanding, with a tremendous sense of space, detail, balance between singers and the pit." Thomas’ Music (Australia) (December 2006) "a lavish, beautifully produced, packaged, illustrated and annotated release ... The Adelaide Symphony... is a world-class group... absolutely first rate... The SACD sound is first class... This set is definitely recommended" Fanfare (USA) "WANT LIST 2006" (November / December 2006) "Finally, for audiophile Wagnerians, here’s a no-brainer... Asher Fisch presides over a well-prepared Adelaide Orchestra... world class... And the sound! The 5.1 multichannel program renders the richness of Wagner’s orchestral syntax as you’ve never heard it outside of a good opera house..." La Libre Belgique (Belgium) (29 November 2006) "a world first ... worthy of praise ... voices waiting to be discovered ... a complete success" Critic Service (Germany) (23 November 2006) "What a wonderful and great recording!... amazingly clear... natural and voluminous surround sound... The orchestra is quite extraordinary... the booklet... an extraordinary piece of jewellery." La Discoteca de HispaOpera (Spain) (4 November 2006) "a Walküre which could mark a 'before' and an 'after' in the conception of the excellent work of Wagner ... appreciate the quality ... a great production ... wonderful recording ... recommended" Forum Opera (France) (November 2006) "the orchestra is directed by Asher Fisch... conducts without introspection... epic and impassioned above all... Stuart Skelton... the hero, whose voice bears the stamp of bronze and molten gold alloy, the clearness of the heldentenor with the colour of the baritone, the inexhaustible breath... of valiancy and youth." Telerama (France) (November 2006) "Dominated by Lisa Gasteen's passionate Brünnhilde and Stuart Skelton's warrior-like Siegmund, the cast plays the ambiguous half god, half human game. This first instalment of a promising complete Ring is issued by the label Melba... This may be why this Walküre has so much stamina!" Opera (France) (November 2006) "This Walküre deserves consideration. It opens with its best asset: the very beautiful Siegmund sung by Stuart Skelton, with a magnificent vocal youth, smashing and solar high notes, a charming tone on the whole range of the voice, and impeccable diction, style and presence..." WFOS-FM (USA) (November 2006) "no house in any part of the world could have produced a stronger recording especially with the excellent Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the strong, vibrant conducting of Maestro Fisch." Klassik Musik (Germany) (November 2006) "Melba, the Australian label introduces itself with something with the impact of a bass drum: a Ring production that towers above, featuring the State Opera of South Australia... the first Ring on SACD!" 4MBS Program Guide (Australia) (November 2006) "the sound quality is very, VERY good... you're in for a treat... the cast is admirable... the orchestra... is quite splendid. Put all of this in a very neat package... and what's not to like?" Wagnermania (Spain) (October 2006) "The sound is extraordinary ... the presentation is exemplarary... [Asher Fisch] has obtained superlative results from the Adelaide Orchestra that to hear is to believe..." MundoClasico (Spain) (17 October 2006) "The orchestra is a complete surprise… an enviable pair of Volsungs… The packaging is one of luxury... Lovers of new technology will appreciate this recording… I cannot wait for the next three instalments." Classical Source (UK) (10 September 2006) "The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra need not fear comparison with, say, the Vienna Philharmonic... or the Berlin Philharmonic... Asher Fisch provides sound, thoughtful and purposeful conducting... overall presentation is handsome... It has many strong qualities and merits a recommendation." DB Magazine (Australia) (8 September 2006) "There is little doubt that this is the best recorded Walküre in the catalogue ... our own Adelaide Symphony is beautifully captured... breath-taking... Beautifully packaged and recorded, true opera fans should take note..." The Opera Critic (New Zealand) (6 September 2006) "a performance that commands attention... a reading that is infused with passion from beginning to end... compelling reasons for purchasing this version - vibrant playing, superlative sound and a uniformly excellent cast that makes a great case for the work." Das Opernglas (Germany) (September 2006) "Lisa Gasteen... first class... Stuart Skelton... impressive... Asher Fisch... shows his experience in directing the orchestra. A solid release..." The Absolute Sound (USA) (September 2006) "The orchestral recording allows Wagner partisans to wallow in the richly scored strings and brasses as never before... Timbrally, the sound is smooth with a solid bottom end... world-class Wagnerians here... The lavish packaging includes useful notes..." Audio Asylum - Hi-Rez Highway (USA) (28 August 2006) "The recording is excellent. Smooth strings, and plenty of room ambience... most importantly to me, it all sounds very natural. It has that trademark SACD sound of being very detailed but still smooth." Sunday Mail (Australia) (27 August 2006) "The four operas will make an incredible 16 hours of listening... **** (4 stars)" The Sunday Herald Sun (Australia) (20 August 2006) "In short: Ring the bells for world-class, home-grown Wagner... this Walküre should be a compulsory acquisition. **** (4 stars)" The Sunday Age (Australia) (20 August 2006) "thrilling performance... The sound is simply superb - spacious, natural and lifelike ... Key track: Track one on CD one to track 17 of CD four. The lot. **** (4 stars)" ABC Classic FM "CD OF THE WEEK" (Australia) (14-20 August 2006) "The impact that this landmark release has had in the classical recording world is great and growing... The 4 CDs of this set have already made Australian recording history, and the reviews from overseas are, for the most part, extraordinary in their praise." Acoustic Sounds (USA) (8 August 2006) "The performance is matched by rich SACD sound - warm, full, smooth, with great clarity and perfect balance between all the forces. The Ring could not get a better introduction to SACD. ***** (5 stars)" Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (5 August 2006) "Recorded in super audio CD surround sound, the quality is forward and excitingly clear, giving space and depth to the redoubtable Valkyries and glittering detail to the fire music... provides radiant listening." Elusive Disc (USA) (August 2006) "For those of you who wonder what all the fuss is about multi-channel here is some advice. Spend a few dollars, set your room up properly and then listen to this Melba Walküre. You will then know first hand what all the fuss is about and will never go back to two-channel. This new recording from Melba is a spectacular package." Positive Feedback Online (USA) (August 2006) "I simply cannot offer any higher praises!... a stunning achievement... a truly outstanding effort... history has once again been made... To Melba Recordings, a hearty BRAVO! VERY highly recommended." Classical CD Review (USA) (August 2006) "this set is of enormous interest... Phil Rowlands was sound engineer in charge of SACD surround sound mix and mastering... probably the finest master of his craft around today... Performers are in front with an admirable sense of space and presence and no lack of orchestral detail or impact. Those who love Die Walküre surely should investigate this first-class enterprising magnificently recorded performance" Classic FM Magazine (UK) (August 2006) "This is thrilling... a performance offering really fine musical credentials ... consistently good... world-class... I'm sure Wagner would have approved, strongly. **** (4 stars)" BBC Music Magazine (UK) (August 2006) "this first instalment largely justifies the excitement... spirited Adelaide orchestra... exceptional Volsung twins... a startling sense of space and detail, theatrical ambience and orchestral sound... this is the most recommendable of recent Walküres. SOUND: 5 stars PERFORMANCE: 4 stars" The Gramophone (UK) (August 2006) "Australia’s first Ring gets underway in a recording of considerable virtues... Asher Fisch reveals his extensive experience as a Wagner conductor... it will certainly be good to hear other parts of the Adelaide Ring cycle in due course." Opera Opera (Australia) (August 2006) "the sound is spectacularly sumptuous and clear... the presentation of the set is exemplary... a worthy release to be greeted warmly... the quality of the performances themselves... are more than good enough to warrant the level of immortality afforded by a release such as this." Tower Records (Japan) (August 2006) "it sounds especially beautiful... a powerful cast... and high sound quality... perfect!" OzArts Review (Australia) (31 July 2006) "This recording is an exceptional achievement… An impressive cast rises quite magnificently to the occasion… If ever a performance of Walküre pierced to the heart of the composer’s intentions, it is surely this. Here is an account that throbs with sincerity… This recording is the profound progeny of a happy marriage between Wagnerian scholarship and high inspiration." MusicOMH (UK) (26 July 2006) "the sound is superb .. beautifully presented … Wagner was at the forefront of theatrical development in his time, and there’s no doubt that he would be please to hear such a vividly played account of his work in full surround sound …" Classique News (France) (15 July 2006) "From a label bearing the name of an immense singer, who became a myth in the operatic world, one would have high expectations regarding the singing. The challenge is met. This production is really worthy of the latest Bayreuth productions..." Bloomberg (USA) (11 July 2006) "...is as ground-breaking as Georg Solti's 1959-1966 Decca recording... Under Asher Fisch, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra play superbly... extremely exciting... Few Wagner-nuts will be able to resist this recording." Metro (UK) (10 July 2006) "it captures the crackling energy of the moment... Lisa Gasteen... is in great form, Stuart Skelton has excellent diction and John Bröcheler is an authoritative... Wotan. **** (4 stars)" The Observer (UK) (9 July 2006) "and very fine it is, too, with Lisa Gasteen an outstanding Brünnhilde, Stuart Skelton a resonant Siegmund and Deborah Riedel an affecting Sieglinde." 3MBS Libretto Magazine (Australia) (July 2006) "The wait has been well worth it... crisp, clear account... to be admired... The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra excels... there is no doubt that the sound is superior, even on regular systems... Ring fans will want this set..." 2MBS Fine Music Magazine (Australia) (July 2006) "The recording is of the highest quality... Deborah Riedel... her Sieglinde here is one of the very best on disc... the youthfulness of her voice and ardent portrayal of innocence surpasses even the star casting of Regine Crespin in the Solti Decca recording... waiting with anticipation for the release of the entire cycle." Readings Books Music Film (Australia) (July 2006) "The long-awaited release of the stellar performance from the 2004 Adelaide Festival has arrived! This first-ever presentation in high-definition surround sound comes beautifully presented in a hard-cover volume. These performances created a modern legend - this is Wagner to truly knock your socks off! ..." The Australian Financial Review Magazine (Australia) (30 June 2006) - ALBUM OF THE MONTH "sounds very good indeed... top-notch 'super-audio' surround sound... Lisa Gasteen's Brünnhilde is simply magnificent." The Courier Mail (Australia) (29 June 2006) "No self-respecting Wagner fan would want to be without this handsome four-disc Die Walküre recording... lush orchestral colour... a feast of grand sound... Lisa Gasteen soars ... in a performance that puts her well up with the great Brünnhildes of our time... **** (4 stars)" MusicWeb International (UK) (29 June 2006) "an exceptional performance... If there is a hero on this recording it is Asher Fisch... not a weak link among the soloists... The discs come in an elegant hardback book with excellent documentation and texts and translations... a high quality product that will have an honoured place in my collection." Limelight (Australia) (21 June 2006) "an excellent showcase for the complete work ... There is no question that the sound quality of this splendid record of a remarkable achievement is brilliant ... overwhelmingly effective. There is little doubt that this is going to be a complete Ring recording that will appeal worldwide." The Bulletin (Australia) (20 June 2006) "the warmth, fidelity range and natural spread of the sound is in a league of its own, unchallenged by anything recorded in this country..." Audiophile Audition (USA) (16 June 2006) "beautifully-recorded, handsomely-packaged ... I found this a top-quality production. The singers sound uniformly good ... the Adelaide Symphony plays its heart out - the 'Ride of the Valkyries' section is truly exciting ... Its goblet-clear 5.1 sound is most impressive." The Age 'Green Guide' (Australia) (15 June 2006) "splendid... The cast, almost without exception, gives performances of vocal brilliance and dramatic strength ... Lisa Gasteen's Brünnhilde is magnificent... Stuart Skelton is, quite simply, one of the best Siegmunds on disc... **** (4 stars)" The Canberra Times (Australia) (11 June 2006) "the aural impact is immediately arresting... with a particular clarity of instrumental sound, while also capturing with great realism the quality of the voices ... This is indeed a great performance." The Australian (Australia) (10 June 2006) "The clarity and detail of SACD is amazing... the surround sound had an overwhelming impact. Regardless of the format, this recording is an extraordinary achievement... **** (4 stars)" Classics Today (USA) (6 June 2006) "A technically superb recording… some of the most remarkable playing I’ve ever heard… Sound quality 10/10." More information...... SA-CD.net (Australia) (2 June 2006) "Quite simply, this has to be the clearest and most well-balanced operatic recording I have heard… a defining moment for the fledgling high resolution audio format… Sonics: 5 stars" More information...... International Record Review (UK) (June 2006) "This Walküre has some remarkable moments, not least the marvellous playing of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra..." |
|||
