Wagner: Götterdämmerung

06/03/2008
Michael Shmith
The Age 'Green Guide' (Australia)
star onstar onstar onstar onstar on

This, the final segment of the Adelaide Ring recorded at the State Opera of South Australia’s live Cycle from late 2004, is a mighty performance of Götterdämmerung with many fine things. Not the least is Asher Fisch’s dynamic and sensitive interpretation of the score, with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra proving the benefits of long rehearsal and a series of performances. This superlative recording, a tribute to its producers, Melba’s tireless founder, Maria Vandamme, and Ian Perry, combines the ambience of live performance with studio intensity: the blending of voices and orchestra is second-to-none. Lisa Gasteen’s Brünnhilde is assured in vocal and dramatic strength, while her Siegfried, Timothy Mussard, is lyrical and ardent... Joanna Cole is an exemplary Gutrune. John Wegner is an outstandingly sinuous Alberich; and Elizabeth Campbell’s Waltraute makes every word shine. Norns and Rhinemaidens are fine, and the SA Opera Chorus hair-raisingly effective. This is a glorious end to the first Australian recording of Der Ring des Nibelungen.