Wagner: Götterdämmerung

15/12/2007
Matthew Westwood
The Australian - Best Classical CDs of 2007 (Australia)

Three years ago, the State Opera of South Australia presented the first all-Australian production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. It was a triumph, and now the CD record of that production is complete, with the release of the final instalment, Götterdämmerung. Regrettably, the Adelaide Ring Cycle was not recorded for DVD release, but the complete audio set is a formidable artistic document. Lisa Gasteen is radiant as Brünnhilde, leaving no doubt as to her Wagnerian credentials on the world stage.

The orchestral playing under conductor Asher Fisch is thrilling, and the recorded sound is superb.