Melba Recordings

"... a label of fragrant distinction"

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GOLDEN HIGHLIGHTS from the Melba Ring

The Adelaide Ring production was a landmark event for opera in Australia, bringing together Elke Neidhardt’s riveting direction, Michael Scott-Mitchell’s breathtaking sets, the epic contribution of the Adelaide Symphony conducted by Asher Fish and a dazzling array of the finest Australian voices and international guest artists for a once in a lifetime festival event. One French critic said: “Worthy of the latest Bayreuth productions...” classiquenews.com (France)

MELBA’S RING was the first to be released on 5.1 Super Audio CD. Critics were unanimous in their praise of the fidelity of the recorded sound to the performance. The Fanfare [USA] critic said: “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...”

Melba is pleased to offer highlights from the complete 2004 State Opera of South Australia Ring Cycle on two Super Audio CDs with six channel surround sound, on discs also compatible with normal CD players. Highlights include Lisa Gasteen’s majestic performance as Brünnhilde, John Bröckeler in Wotan’s touching farewell, the barnstorming Ride of the Valkyries, Siegfrieds’ Funeral March and many more.

“The orchestra virtually matches its counterparts in Vienna, Berlin and New York...Asher Fisch has shown himself to be a Wagnerian of the highest order...Performance  Sound Opus (Canada)

Opus Haute Définition (France) Opus d’or award

Stuart Skelton was awarded the inaugural Prix Lauritz Melchior for his performance as Siegmund in Die Walküre in 2007 and Timothy Mussard the same distinction for his portrayal of Siegfried in Götterdämmerung in 2009. These prestigious awards made at the Bastille Opera house in Paris recognised Mussard and Skelton as the outstanding Heldentenors recorded in those years.

“Sensationally recorded...the best sounding Cycle on the market, bar none.” Gramophone (UK)

“a sonic experience that is overwhelming…the balance is impeccable…Asher Fisch has the full measure of the work.” MusicWeb International (UK)

performance sound. “This remarkable Australian achievement...this compelling Australian Ring...” SA-CD.NET (UK)

 “...under Asher Fisch’s inspired conducting…a powerful, solid presentation of Wagner’s masterpiece.” Classical CD Review (US)

 “Melba’s landmark recordings...the perfect Vorspiel to a year of bicentenary celebrations.” Limelight