AT THE OPERA
Anniversaries, Part 9
Prepared and presented by Ian MacDonald

Wagner, R. Das Rheingold. Opera in one act. Libretto by the composer. First performed Munich, 22 September, 1869.   

   ALBERICH: Gustav Neidlinger, bar
RHINEMAIDENS: Ode Balsborg, sop;
Hetty Plümacher, sop; Ira Malaniuk, mezz
WOTAN: George London, bass-bar
FASOLT: Walter Kreppel, bass-bar
FAFNER: Kurt Böhme, bass
FREIA: Claire Watson, sop
LOGE: Set Svanholm, ten
ERDA: Jean Madeira, cont
Vienna PO/Georg Solti.
Decca 478 3707 [02:25:44]

   Forswearing love, the Nibelung dwarf, Alberich, steals the Rhinemaidens’ gold to forge a ring which will make him ruler of the world. Wotan, ruler of the gods, has had Valhalla built by the giants, Fasolt and Fafner, but refuses to hand over the promised payment to the goddess Freia, whom they take hostage. Wotan and Loge trick Alberich to get the gold, including the ring, which he curses. The giants refuse to part with Freia until she is hidden by gold. Wotan is told by Erda to include the ring to escape its curse, warning that the doom of the gods is at hand. The giants quarrel over the gold and Fafner kills Fasolt through the power of Alberich’s curse. The gods cross the rainbow bridge into Valhalla.

Wagner, R. In fernem Land; Mein lieber Schwan, from Lohengrin (1848).    Jonas Kaufmann, ten; Mahler CO/Claudio Abbado.
Decca 478 1463 [10:56]

Liszt, F. Valhalla, from Wagner's Rhinegold (pub. 1876).    Leslie Howard, pf.
Hyperion CDS44540 [07:03]

23:00 MUSIC OF THE NIGHT
Some Rachmaninov
Prepared and presented by Dan Bickel

Rachmaninov, S. Étude-tableau in C minor, op 39 no 7 (1916-17).    Alexander Melnikov, pf.
Harmonia Mundi HMC 901978 [09:51]

Rachmaninov, S. Trio élégiaque no 2 in D minor, op 9 (1893/1907/17).    Oistrakh Trio.
Brilliant Classics 9272 [46:37]