Wagner: Die Walküre Blu-ray 2018 (The Royal Opera)

Reviews

"There is some terrific singing along the way: Stemme’s strength of emotion and pinpoint negotiation of vocal intervals, Skelton’s clarity and an increasingly heroic sound, Magee’s sheer focus tapping the same level as her Strauss Kaiserin... Pappano delivers a further degree of the Rudolf Kempe-like lyricism – nothing overstated but no lack of power or motion where needed" Gramophone

"Pappano has always had a special relationship with the Ring’s second part…and the Royal Opera House Orchestra rewards him with some of its most sumptuous playing. The cast in this 2018 staging would have been the envy of every world class opera company…But it’s Nina Stemme, as it should be, who defines this production." BBC Music Magazine 

"Sarah Connolly’s Fricka has become one of the production’s highpoints: she conveys the bitter anger of marital betrayal in every phrase and every stiffened joint. Nina Stemme’s Brünnhilde is also tremendously accomplished, reflecting the gamut of emotions in facial expression and vocal line alike." Evening Standard

"The ROH Orchestra’s playing, which combines confidence with tonal warmth, underpins the evening. Conductor Antonio Pappano’s approach is founded on lyricism, but with keen dramatic accents where required. Above all he and his musicians supply constant momentum" The Financial Times

Awards
BBC Music Magazine: Winner - DVD of the Year 2021