Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell – Wagner: Orchestermusik aus die Opern (1992)

George Szell was the greatest opera conductor who never recorded a complete opera. Early in his career, he decided to leave the opera house because he was unable to work with what he considered to be the compromising conditions of modern opera production. The most tantalizing recording he never conducted was the complete "Ring" for London. The honor went instead to Sir Georg Solti, and although Solti's work was hardly inconsiderable, this exceptional disc gives us some sense of what we lost. In fact, if you can only afford to buy one Wagner disc, get this one. Not only is the playing incredible, the whole package is available at a budget price. It's more than a bargain; it's a steal. -- David Hurwitz