Die Walküre

Even by the Met’s own high standards, this Walküre cast is nothing short of breathtaking. Lauritz Melchior’s truly heroic Siegmund beautifully complements Rose Bampton’s feminine, appealing Sieglinde. No wonder Helen Traubel (Brünnhilde) melts when she sees the depths of their love for each other. But Kerstin Thorborg’s imperious Fricka is unyielding in her demands that her husband, Wotan (Herbert Janssen), punish Siegmund for breaking the laws of marriage. With menacing, black-voiced bass Alexander Kipnis as the aggrieved Hunding, and conducted by George Szell, this is Wagner at his most stirring.