Christa Ludwig as Erda in Act 3 of "Siegfried"

[@stevegladwin5222]

Thomas Stewart's sheer longevity an popularity at Bayreuth says everything about his ability to sing the role, surely. But Christa Ludwig us in quite peerless form. Class personified.

[@cantorandopera]

How interesting - they were both born in 1928 making them each 57 here. Bassos usually have very long vocal lives . . . yet here, Ms Ludwig sounds fresher. Two outstanding singers. This is another example of of her vocal prowess which makes her a singing legend.

[@Edwards-Videos]

Thomas Stewart, at least in my opinion, was never a great Wagnerian bass. His voice just wasn't strong enough and it is noticeable in this.

[@gerardcohen7780]

​@@Edwards-VideosPeut-être, mais quel musicien et quel acteur !

[@elsincuello]

Wonderful ❤️

[@cappycapuzi1716]

I agree that Ms. Ludwig is in better form than Mr. Stewart. I think she does just fine with this music. This may be the first of Wagner's Ring that I've heard conducted by Leonard Bernstein!

[@cheyenneasiafoxe292]

Leonard Bernstein was one of the greats! Genius and master conductor.

[@Ettoredipugnar]

❤️❤️❤️

[@wehaveasituation]

And so rare to see Lenny having anything to do with Wagner...er..but of course like Levine he knows how great it is, and even like Von Bulow himself, pitching in as though guided on some mystical mission.

[@davidsimmons654]

Both fine singers. Steward never really convinced me in this rep, voice is much too sweet for my taste. Having to manufacture the Vocal Heft this kind of role (orchestration) requires instead of naturally having it like Hotter and London. Ludwig sounds like an Angel as always. Erda is as Alto role so maybe her ease is coming from the part lying relatively low in her voice?

[@AngryDeepground]

Actually Mr. Stewart is more of a low baritone, so he's not really a bass .