Stokowski/Philadelphia - Wagner: Das Rheingold - Symphonic Synthesis

Das Rheingold - Symphonic Synthesis
Prelude, Alberich, Wotan and Loge descent into Nibelheim, Erde's warning, Entrance into Valhalla
Thanks to Larry Huffman for this and many more Stokowski/Philadelphia recordings at www.stokowski.org
Leopold Stokowski (April 18, 1882 -- September 13, 1977) was a British-born American orchestral conductor, well known for his free-hand performing style that spurned the traditional baton and for obtaining a characteristically sumptuous sound.

[@Twentythousandlps]

Inspired music still rarely heard (except for the final section) in the concert hall - I don't think even Stokowski did this piece after making this recording.

[@2ndviolinist]

There is actually no section of any piece that Stokowski/Philadelphia played that has any resemblance to what happens these days. I suspect that none of his recordings were what he thought of as the best he could do. It is very fine playing. Thank you for listening.

[@billinds]

the opening hors bring to mind being in the alps and hearing the alpenhorns

[@2ndviolinist]

… from a great distance. Thank you for stopping by to listen. Did you mean hors d'oeuvres or horns? The horns serve as the hors d'oeuvres to this piece.

[@cybergrind]

That Vorspiel... mmmmmmm old sounds...

[@2ndviolinist]

Agreed. Thank you very much for listening.

[@billinds]

HORNS SORRY

[@2ndviolinist]

Sorry, just kidding around. No need to apologize for a typo. I typed for 6 years as a part-time job with no spellcheck. I got pretty good at proofreading, but still missed many problems.

[@jamiecrete149]

Have you ever read Culshaw's Ring Resounding about recording the famous Solti Ring in the 60's? There's a humorous description on how many takes they had to do to get it perfect!

[@Goetterdaemmerung86]

Indeed, if I recall, the opening is an outrageously difficult piece to play for the horns

[@123must]

Well done work ! Thanks

[@michaelexman5474]

:-)

[@2ndviolinist]

I agree. Stokowski/Philly may have been the best at doing symphonic sections of Wagner operas. Thanks for listening.