Richard Classical Wagner Leopold Stokowski London Symphony Orchestra - Wagner Weekend The Ride of the Valkyries (6 tracks) +Album Reviews

Magnificent performances of Wagner masterpieces.

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 09/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like many people, I find most of Wagner's operas somewhat difficult to listen to from start to finish. But each of Wagner's operas contains sections that are simply gorgeous. This CD collects five such pieces from his "Ring" cycle. Each is magnificently conducted by Leopold Stokowski who, in my view, was the greatest Wagner conductor -- and, possibly, the greatest all-around conductor -- of the 20th century. If you think you don't like Wagner's music, please try this CD. I think it will convert you."

Stoki's greatest recordings ever.

John Peters | Austin, TX | 04/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These orchestral works from the Ring and Die Meistersinger are some of the most thrilling interpretations on record. Stokowski was very passionate about Wagner and it is obvious. The writer usually does not agree with the conductor's style but admits that he was blown away here. Conducting the London Symphony, Stoki forces the "Stokowski Sound" out of the flood gates immediately. The color of the recordings is amazing yet it never gets excessive. The "Ride of the Valkyries", "Rhine Journey", "Funeral March", and "Entrance Into Valhalla" are equally impressive for all of the above reasons. The crown jewel of this CD however, is the "Forrest Murmurs." Combining all of the emotions and ideas associated with the opera (wonder, mysteriousness, joy, and triumph) is a monumental task. Stokowski and the LSO pull it off in dramatic fassion. It has never been bested. The live performance of the prelude to Die Meistersinger is electric and has adrenaline that is common with such recordings but it is very interesting to know why. Stokowski and the orchestra performed the overture without fully rehersing it! During rehersal, they began and after a few bars of music Stokowski stopped the orchestra and said, "We don't need to do this. You all know it!" He was right."

Wagner Weekend?

Ryan Kouroukis | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 01/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By looking at this cd, you'd think, "yeah sure...next"! I mean c'mon, how cheezy does the cover look and sound?

But just look at the details on the back of it, then think for a minute...Leopold Stokowski, London Symphony Orchestra, Decca and recorded in the 1960's...

What answers can you come up with?

Need help?

How 'bout..."THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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