In Richard Wagner’s 'Ring of the Nibelung', the first act of 'Die Walküre' takes up a special place. The love-triangle of the twins Siegmund and Sieglinde and the ominous Hunding stands out in the context of this tetralogy because it possesses its own dramatic tension and self-enclosed trajectory within what is otherwise such a complex, richly interconnected series of works. In musical terms it goes from one climax to the next, from the turbulent orchestral prelude through to Siegmund’s love song “Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond” and the passionate union of the sibling couple. At the most recent production at the Vienna State Opera, the twins were sung by Nina Stemme and – for the first time in the role – Johan Botha. Their antagonist Hunding was sung by Ain Anger, whose mighty bass voice was paired with a subtle art of characterisation. All three received a tumultuous reception, from the public and critics alike. The soprano and tenor have since enjoyed international success in even more dramatic Wagner roles – Nina Stemme, for example, has sung Brünnhilde in San Francisco, Vienna and Milan, and will perform at the BBC Proms with Barenboim; while Johan Botha has sung Tannhäuser in Vienna and London. But already as Sieglinde and Siegmund it was evident that they would retain their vocal beauty and legato phrasing despite the heavy-duty nature of the roles. Both Stemme and Botha are possessed of remarkably clear diction and capable of light and shade. This is no 'stand and deliver' barking. Johan Botha will sing the role of Siegmund at this year's Bayreuth concert to celebrate Wagner’s 200th birthday and will do so again on the Bayreuth stage this summer. The luxury accompaniment is the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, conducted in 2007 by its General Music Director, Franz Welser-Möst, and was also on top form. Wagner is rarely heard with such opulence and iridescence while still so transparent and unforced. This CD release of the live performance is an absolute must - just listen to the cheers at the end.
Nina Stemme was awarded Best Female Singer at the International Opera Awards 2013. She sings all the Brünnhildes in Barenboim's 'Ring' this summer and also appears on the Mariinsky 'Walküre' with Valery Gergiev.
