ls1115

It's a wonderful collection! Yes, the highlights are from the Rome Ring. The RAI (Rome) recording is a studio project, so it sounds cleaner. But La Scala had a better orchestra (within the scope of Italian orchestras in general), more adept at giving Furt what he wanted, specially in the excitement of a live performance. This is a conductor who "painted" with music, the closest you'll ever hear to an orchestra "speaking", and very eloquently so. Besides, it's the only chance to hear Flagstad's complete Brünnhilde (Martha Mödl in Rome is also excellent, but she was a human being. Flagstad is a force of Nature). If I had to choose, I'd choose... BOTH! Besides, Pristine has done a remarkable job of cleaning up the La Scala Ring, until now rather hard on the ears. Most of the recent EMI SACDs are also worthwhile, specially a remarkably good sounding Beethoven 7th -5th. The EMI SACDS of Tristan (*****), Walküre, Fidelio and the Rome Ring are all worth the fortune their combined prices represent. Everything is mono, of course. F died in 1954. His wife, Elisabeth died last March... at 102!

I listen to a lot of Internet radio, so I appreciate good 320p streams such as these: Audiophile Classical, Baroque, Jazz and Live: The Psychomed - Audiophile | Streams

She sings an impressive Fricka for Solti, but in 1957, she was nearing the end of her life. If you want to hear her in her prime (as every Wagnerian has to), forget hi rez. Get the Fürtwängler Ring from La Scala (best sound is from Pristine Audio). Also her late-career Isolde with Fürtwangler is on an expensive EMI SACD release, available in Japan. The Solti Ring on Blu Ray audio is simply fantastic!!

This is just what I do and it's really convenient. I keep all my stations listed on ooTunes (my favorite iPhone radio app!) and stream from the phone to my Airport Express box, which sends the digital data to my Cary prepro via toslink. The iPhone (or spare iPod) works as my radio remote control. Sheer delight!

According to the article, La FNAC is the exclusive vendor only till September.