Extra postage costs: As this set is very heavy (around 7.5kg) we unfortunately need to charge some extra postage costs to certain countries. UK and most of Western Europe: No extra charges - Normal rates apply. Rest of World: Varies by country. Please contact us for further details.
CD - 17 discs
Normally: $310.50
Special: $210.25
In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day.
The centrepiece of DECCA’s celebrations of Sir Georg Solti’s centenary is a limited-edition [individually numbered], newly- remastered, luxury edition of “The greatest recording of all time!” (BBC Music Magazine, January 2012)
Solti’s recording of Wagner’s epic music-drama Der Ring des Nibelungen was a recording project on a scale without precedent and the first-ever studio recording of Wagner’s masterpiece. Recorded between September 1958 and November 1965, it was masterminded by legendary producer John Culshaw and his technical team under the direction of chief engineer Gordon Parry. This massive undertaking set new standards in both opera recording and the possibilities of the effective and imaginative use of stereo.For the first time ever DECCA presents the most comprehensive Ring edition ever assembled.
The complete Ring cycle is presented on 14 CDs:
2 CDs: An introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner scholar Deryck Cooke + book with spoken text and music examples
DVD: The Golden Ring
The acclaimed BBC documentary directed by Humphrey Burton and filmed during Götterdämmerung sessions
Recordings made in Vienna during the years when the Ring was in progress
Ring Resounding
John Culshaw’s fascinating account of the entire Ring project from inception to completion – first published in 1967 and long out of print – it is an integral element in this special edition. Exclusive to this edition.
Blu-ray disc
The complete Ring on one disc presented as lossless 24-bit files. Exclusive to this edition
The Ride of the Valkyries
Special facsimile of one of Sir Georg Solti’s working scores with his markings explained and commentary by Charles Kaye. Exclusive to this edition.
Art prints
5 high-quality art prints of recording session photos. Exclusive to this edition
Gramophone
Special 40 page brochure with facsimiles of original DECCA advertisements and reviews. Exclusive to this edition.
January 2012
“even Solti's detractors have to admit the awesome status of Gotterdammerung, in which performance and recording unite with seamless strength to evoke the power of cosmic, cathartic tragedy. It hasn't been surpassed; it may never be”
2010
****
“Solti himself developed in the process of making the recording, and Götterdämmerung represents a peak of achievement for him, commanding and magnificent”
New York Times
23rd November 2012
“The wonders of the “Solti ‘Ring,’ ” as it has long been abbreviated, are well known...Committed to disc from the late 1950s into the ’60s, it changed the scope of what was possible in the recording studio: the kind of project that would be impossible today, if only for financial reasons... a poignant reminder of how far the classical music record industry has fallen.”
Chicago Tribune
23rd October 2012
“a steal when you consider the benchmark quality of the performances and the lavish attention Decca has expended on the entire package. Even if you already own the set in one or more of its earlier incarnations, this one is worth buying just for the extras.”
Classics Today
“it sounds like the original LPs...and by that I mean it is warmer and more enormous than any of the previous CD releases...The sound is glorious—live, warm, theatrical, present...If you haven’t previously owned this set, now you must.”
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