Wagner: Das Rheingold

01/03/2007
Robert Benson
Classical CD Review (US)

Melba’s Das Rheingold is the second instalment in their issue of live performances recorded at the Adelaide Festival with the State Opera of South Australia. For the most part singers are Australian, and first-class.

Die Walküre was issued some months ago... Das Rheingold continues the high level of performance, highlighted by John Bröcheler’s Wotan. The cast is strong throughout, with conductor Asher Fisch leading a performances that emphasises the lyric elements of the score but misses none of the drama. The surround sound is excellent, with plenty of space around the singers. The orchestra is rather recessed, natural in perspective.