Twilight Of The Gods: Akt III, 2. Szene: Funeral March

The remarkable tenor Plcido Domingo follows up his highly acclaimed LOVE DUETS album with another disc of arias by Richard Wagner. The excerpts on SCENES FROM "THE RING" are culled from 'Siegfried' and 'G?tterd?mmerung,' the third and fourth installments of Wagner's monumental tetralogy, 'Der Ring des Nibelungen.' Once again Domingo demonstrates how ideally suited he is to the Wagnerian idiom by virtue of his magnificent voice and prodigious musical intellect. He has abundant power to sustain him through the considerable physical demands of the music, and his warm, dark-hued tone and innate lyricism lend texture and nuance to his portrayal.

Domingo's Siegfried is suitably noble and valiant but also vulnerable and sensitive, and his account of the tragic hero has great emotional depth. This album finds Domingo in excellent company: mezzo Violeta Urmana is impressive in the role of Brnhilde, her voice blending beautifully with Domingo's. Natalie Dessay shows vocal agility as the Woodbird that leads Siegfried to his love, and David Cangelosi acquits himself admirably as the villainous Mime. Antonio Pappano and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden offer solid support throughout. SCENES FROM "THE RING" is yet another triumph for the indomitable singer.