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Shopping for Wagner: Five Great Recordings

Richard Wagner's groundbreaking operas forever changed the way composers approached musical theatre.
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Richard Wagner's groundbreaking operas forever changed the way composers approached musical theatre.

These days, the Internet is abuzz with newcomers to the world of Richard Wagner asking for advice on which recordings to buy. This is understandable, considering that a new-release CD set of a Wagner opera can put you out as much as $90. Who wouldn't need some guidance?

The debate over which are the best recordings opens up a Pandora's Box of singers and their interpretations of roles. This is a personal matter, and no one can tell you how to react to a certain voice. This doesn't mean people won't try, however, so keep this in mind when someone--like me--is in raptures about a particular work. The list below contains some exceptional recordings no Wagner fan would be ashamed to own.

To learn more about Wagner — the man and his music — click here.

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William Berger