aside from his musical achievement [Kaufmann] has both natural presence and the ability to put over the content of the narrations in gripping but unhistrionic fashion...The music-making is absolutely world-class. Orchestra, conductor and singer do not disappoint, especially the Dresden strings which, on this day, were on some kind of seraphic high of their own.

an extraordinary space inhabited by extraordinary musicians...Thielemann’s Wagner credentials are not in doubt, and he shows a masterful ear for unfolding Wagner’s paragraphs...He is on top form, bringing all of his baritonal warmth to the portrayals of these tortured heroes. It helps that you can see him too as his empathy with the characters is very strong.

Thielemann obviously does his hard work in rehearsal; his conducting technique here displays stylish brevity. Kaufmann’s contributions are excellent...As ever, the tone is covered and the distinctively rich, bronze quality is wonderful to hear.