It's been exactly 5 years since Wagner made an appearance as a CCM, so we'll start this new year off with a bang. This month we have the classic early-50's live performance with Furtwängler and La Scala. Interestingly, this famous Wagner interpreter made two complete recordings of the Ring cycle, both live, dying before he could complete a studio version. The fidelity is famously so-so on the recording, and there is a fair bit of unintentional audience participation in the way of coughing, but the recordings themselves have justifiably stood the test of time. Listen here as the Rheinmaidens joyously proclaim the mystical, magical powers of the Rheingold in the opening scene.