Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Richard Wagner with this captivating album, originally released in 1967. This collection is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and opera aficionados, featuring a comprehensive introduction to Wagner's monumental "Der Ring des Nibelungen" by the esteemed Deryck Cooke. Cooke's insightful narration, combined with the masterful conducting of Sir Georg Solti, provides an unparalleled exploration of the leitmotifs and themes that weave through Wagner's epic cycle.
The album begins with the enchanting "Siegfried Idyll," a serene and lyrical composition that showcases Wagner's ability to evoke deep emotion and beauty. Following this is the charming "Kinder-Katechismus," a lesser-known but delightful piece that adds a touch of whimsy to the collection.
The heart of the album lies in Cooke's detailed and engaging introduction to "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Through numerous examples, Cooke dissects the complex network of leitmotifs that Wagner employs to represent characters, emotions, and ideas. This section is not just an analysis but a journey through the very essence of Wagner's musical language, offering listeners a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Ring Cycle.
With a total runtime of over two hours and forty minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. It is a testament to Wagner's genius and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the depths of his music. Whether you are a seasoned Wagner fan or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and enlightening journey into the world of one of classical music's greatest composers.
Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103Richard Wagner, Wiener Philharmoniker, Walter Weller, Sir Georg Solti
Kinder-Katechismus, WWV 106Richard Wagner, Vienna Boys' Choir, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 1. Of All Great Musical Compositions (Ex.1-4)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 2. The Fundamental Symbol (Ex.5-11)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 3. Returning Now to the Nature Motive (Ex.12-16)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 4. A number of Further Motives (Ex.17-21)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 5. A second, Much Smaller Family (Ex.22-25)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 6. So Much for Nature (Ex.26-38)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 7. The Cause of the Deterioration (Ex.39-44)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 8. The Other Transformation (Ex.45-48)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 9. Several Other Motives (Ex.49-52)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 10. Two Further Motives (Ex.41,53-61)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 11. Basic Motive Associated With the Spear (Ex.62/68)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 12. Along Another, More Complex Line (Ex.69-72)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 13. In Act 2 of "Walküre" (Ex.69,73-75)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 14. Returning Now to Act 2 of "Walküre (Ex.76-79)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 15. Love Is Another of the Central Symbols (Ex.80-83)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 16. Later in the Same Scene (Ex.84-87)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 17. Freia's Motive Has 2 Independent Segments (Ex.88-91)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 18. The Label "Flight" (Ex.92)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 19. When Fasolt, in Scene 2 of "Rhinegold" (Ex.93-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 20. A Little Later in This Interlude (Ex.99-103)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 21. The Other New Motive (Ex.104-09)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 22. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives (Ex.110)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 23. The Characters in Whose Lives (Ex.115-120)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 24. One Further Motive Belongs (Ex.121)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 25. The Sword Motive Recurs (Ex.122-130)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 26. Ironically, This Phrase (Ex.131-5)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 27. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive (Ex.136-40)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 28. Here We Come to the End (Ex.141-6)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 29. Complementary to This Symbol (Ex.147-9)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 30. One Last Central Symbol (Ex.150-7)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 31. One Further Motive Connected (Ex.158-61)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 32. There Are 1 or 2 Motives (Ex.162-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 33. These Motives of Alberich & Mime (Ex.169-71)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 34. Quite a Number of Subsidiary Motives (Ex.172-6)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 35. Besides This Family of Motives (Ex.177-80)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 36. Our Final Example (Ex.10,181-2)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 37. In the Final Scene of "Götterdämmerung" (Ex.181-3)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 38. Even More Masterly (Ex.184-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 39. Now if We Return (Ex.189-91)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 40. This Masterly Way (Ex.192-3)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
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