Das Rheingold: Gergiev / Kirov Opera Pape Putilin Rugamer Nikitin

The second (and highly anticipated) installment of the Mariinsky label's Ring cycle conducted by Valery Gergiev features a powerful and star-studded rendition of Das Rheingold. Recorded in the sumptuous acoustics of the Mariinsky Concert Hall, the set's cast is led by Rene Pape in the role of Wotan. Pape is ably supported by an international Wagnerian cast, and Gergiev's absolute mastery of this repertoire is in evidence once again in this tremendously dramatic performance. Wagner himself conducted at the Mariinsky Theatre and it is also believed to be the first place where any of the music from the Ring was performed. Siegfried and Gotterdommerung will complete the cycle in 2014.