Thielemann Ring - any thoughts?

[johnb]

I'd like to get a relatively modern Ring and have been toying with the thought of buying the Thielemann/Wiener Staatsoper cycle, especially as it is at the special price of 9.09 Euros per opera (24/96) from Qobuz. (The offer ends today.)

The reviews I have read suggest that the cycle is let down by the cast.

Any thoughts?

[Stunsworth]

The Qobuz offer has already ended. The operas are now just over 12€ each.

[slarty]

I'd like to get a relatively modern Ring and have been toying with the thought of buying the Thielemann/Wiener Staatsoper cycle, especially as it is at the special price of 9.09 Euros per opera (24/96) from Qobuz. (The offer ends today.)

The reviews I have read suggest that the cycle is let down by the cast.

You are right! I bought it and resold it within a week. Only the Rheingold and Walkure had any merit. It is severely let down by the casting/cancellations.
I have been really impressed by the recent Frankfurt Ring. Recorded from live performances 2010 and 2011, wonderfully conducted by Sebastian Weigle. The orchestra is superb and it is very well cast. Susan bullock sings all three Brunnhildes and Terje Stensvold sing the 3 Wotans.( he was 68 at the time and one cannot believe it listening to him - superb) . Frankfurt being a smaller house ,the singers don't have to overstrain themselves, check it out on amazon.

I was so disappointed by the Thielemann, as I hold him in high regard, but it is not good. (PM me for more info).

Any thoughts?

.........

[slarty]

Something went wrong with this post. My comments are together with yours.

[johnb]

The Qobuz offer has already ended. The operas are now just over 12€ each.

Well, according to what I can see on my browser they are currently still on special offer at the moment.

(The original Qobuz "High Res for the price of mp3" offer was extended until 7th September.)

[johnb]

Slarty,

Thank you for your quick reply. I was in two minds about buying them and you have stopped me wasting my money (and kicking myself for wasting money on a "Special Offer").

[Stunsworth]

Well, according to what I can see on my browser they are currently still on special offer at the moment.

(The original Qobuz "High Res for the price of mp3" offer was extended until 7th September.)

That may be what it says on the home page, but if you view the album page it shows the higher price for the 24/96 version.

[johnb]

That may be what it says on the home page, but if you view the album page it shows the higher price for the 24/96 version.

My apologies, you are quite right. The 24/96 prices have increased to 12.23 Euros. Still on special offer and still much less that Qobuz's normal prices, but an increase from the previous 9.99 Euros.

Not that I will be buying them after slarty's comments.