Richard Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen

This 14-disc box set of Christian Thielemanns Ring Cycle was originally released in 2009. This re-release of Wagners monumental work contains a booklet containing full track listing and cast. Wagners epic tetralogy is one of the largest scale works in the classical repertoire- a full performance takes more than four nights, with a total playing time more around 15 hours. Der Ring is loosely based on characters from the Norse sagas, following the struggles of heroes, gods, mythical creatures, and the Ring which would grant the wearer power over the entire world. The famous Bayreuth Festspielhaus was built specifically for this work to be performed, with a specially designed stage which ensures the singers voices blend with the enormous orchestra without straining, which is a necessity for such a long performance, and such demanding writing. This production was recorded live at the Bayreuth Festival, Germany, in 2008. Whatever ones take on the production, Mr. Thielemann drew a probing, radiant and exhilarating musical performance from this orchestra of dedicated instrumentalists. (New York Times)