My-my... 2 different people certainly hear different things. ;-) As for me, I enjoy this recording very much and have no desire to sell it. But... There are a few things that some might have an issue with...
1. Kuijken has chosen to include all of the dialogue, which is of course in German. Some people might feel this interrupts the flow of the action. I don't have a problem with this at all. But I am the type that prefers listening to Wagner's complete operas. The "Bleeding Chunks" just aren't enough for me anymore.
2. This is an aggressive mix. Or perhaps more correctly, the balance is almost evenly distributed between the front and rear speakers. In other words, the focus is not mainly on the front speakers, as it is on Rene Jacobs's recordings. Although Jacobs's recordings do have an occasional aggressive mix, the sound from the rear speakers is not nearly as full as on Kuijken's. Some purists might object to this 'full sound' mix. If you are the type that wants to sit in the proper place in the room and listen to a 'true' stage perspective, then this might be a problem. But... If you can ALSO enjoy a more aggressive mix (in order to fill the room with music), then this recording works very well IMHO.
3. This is a recording of a live performance. The sound of footsteps is there, but not obtrusively. And I can hardly hear the audience. However; the overall sound is a little reverberant. The aggressive use of the rear speakers might add to this. But, my ears have no trouble adjusting to this. IMO, the voices & instruments are clear and have plenty of warmth. I listened to the whole opera today and wasn't worn out by the sound (or performance) in the least. On the contrary, I found myself going back and listening again!! :)
As for the singers, they did an excellent job. But naturally, everyone will have their favorites.
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