Wagner: Siegfried

Following the 2015 release of Das Rheingold and of Die Walküre in 2019, BR-KLASSIK is now releasing Siegfried as part of the enthusiastically received Ring cycle under Sir Simon Rattle.

With Das Rheingold, Rattle had already decisively refuted the longstanding claim that he and Wagner were not a good match, and with Die Walküre, he dispelled any remaining doubts. His recent performance of Siegfried - with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and a first-class lineup of Wagner singers - proves yet again how well the conductor understands and is able to interpret Wagner's music. Now, just a few months after the live event, this powerful and immensely popular music drama has been released on three outstanding CDs.

Wagner's "Siegfried" tells the story of how the hero forges his own sword, gains invulnerability by slaying the dragon and bathing in its blood, and finally conquers Brünnhilde. The outstanding soloists include Simon O'Neill (Siegfried), Peter Hoare (Mime), Michael Volle (The Wanderer/Wotan), and Anja Kampe (Brünnhilde). Moreover, orchestral highlights of "Siegfried" such as the lyrical "Forest Murmurs" or the prelude to Act Three are brilliantly performed by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. As Simon Rattle says: "'Siegfried' contains some of the most dramatic, richly-coloured and enchanting music Wagner ever wrote. I am looking forward immensely to the continuation of our 'Ring', together with the greatest singers one could ever wish for."