Orchestral Music from the Operas

Richard Wagner

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

Tannhäuser Overture and Venusberg Music (Paris version), Die Meistersinger Prelude, Lohengrin Preludes, Tristan und Isolde Prelude and Liebestod. 1974 Fantastic sound, huge luxurious sound.

Excellent gateway into Wagner. BPO in their heyday. Dramatic and powerful. Includes Tannhäuser Overture, Die Meistersinger Overture, Lohengrin Preludes, and Tristan Prelude/Liebestod. Can't go wrong.

YouTube — Tannhäuser: Overture and Venusberg Music only.

Label: EMI

George Szell / Cleveland Orchestra

Excerpts from the Ring, including Ride of the Valkyries and Magic Fire Music. 1968

A great way to dip your toes into the Ring Cycle (excerpts). They bring the orchestral brilliance and clarity. Worth it just for the Ride of the Valkyries. Also includes Magic Fire Music.

Apple Music — Ring excerpts within a Wagner orchestral collection.

YouTube — Götterdämmerung: Siegfried’s Funeral March only.

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

Live opera excerpts, including Tannhäuser, Die Meistersinger, Siegfried’s Funeral Music, and Tristan und Isolde Prelude and Liebestod. late 1940s-early 1950s Live performances. Good presence, but not ideal sound.

One of the greatest Wagner conductors. His sense of pacing, drama, and passion is tailor-made for Wagner. Tannhäuser and Meistersinger are sweeping and powerful. Siegfried's Funeral Music has a crazy climax.

Label: Deutsche Grammophon