James Ellis of Cardiff
I was wondering if the singers would 'act' more if you know what I mean. The acting in the other parts of the Prom Ring did not have the words with them and went up to each other for a more tenser feel.

Leo
Orchestra quite brilliant ...Brunnhilde and Hagen too ...less convincing performances by the other principals indeed difficult to hear in the circle ...That aside a wonderful evening

Paul Coones, Oxford
Sunday evening's magnificent performance of Gotterdammerung was the product of a rare combination of inspired conducting, outstanding playing in all departments of the orchestra, and uniformly fine singing both from the soloists and on the part of a chorus which ably fulfilled Wagner's requirement that it become a living force in the drama. All this took place amidst the vast space and the heightened sense of occasion unique to the Proms. Although the catering firm endeavoured to persuade patrons that they would die of starvation if they did not partake in ample measure of the comestibles on offer, this reviewer, for one, gave no thought to something so mundane as food, given the absolute concentration demanded by the music being served up. All the parts were ably sung, although Gweneth-Ann Jeffers as Gutrune seemed a shade uninvolved (Gutrune needs to do more than simply look sweet), and Stig Andersen as Siegfried needed more sheer volume in places, but Christine Brewer made the Immolation Scene as memorable as it should be, and it was interesting to have a notable Gunther (Alan Held) whose weakness may have been evident from the start but not his ultimate lack of honour. Karen Cargill made a great impression in her heart-rending scene with Brunnhilde. Sir John Tomlinson's Hagen, working with a conductor and orchestra who made the score positively reek of evil gave, not unexpectedly, the vocal performance of the evening. Runnicles's conducting produced taut excitement and tense drama, and although some passages were perhaps forced too much to achieve true grandeur - Siegfried's Journey involved a Rhine that was more of a raging mountain torrent than the surging elemental force of a great river - the Funeral March was a shattering experience. With his carefully managed contrasts between scenes and even between individual musical motives, Runnicles revealed the truth in Wagner's dictum that composition is the art of transition. The BBC SO was in top form: clearly articulated but warmly enveloping sound from the strings; excellent wind solos; precisely directed weight from the heavy brass. The layout of the RAH was exploited to the full for the off-stage effects. There were some heart-stopping moments. Near the end of Act II, the horns' reminder to Gunther of his blood-brotherhood oath was spine-tingling. Indeed, those who regard Act II as Wagner's supreme achievement in music drama would have found ample support in this compelling reading. All in all, an enthralling evening for this reviewer, fortunate in his position in the front row of Choir East, equipped with a full score which was brought to life so radiantly by forces of which he almost felt a part.

Richard Burningham, Plymouth
My first Gotterdammerung and truly superb.A packed, very hot hall but the time flew by and Act 3 was especially great - Siegfried's Funeral March was electrifying in its power and the finale was stunning. The BBC SO were truly brilliant throughout - they and Christine Brewer were the stars of a great, great Sunday in the RAH.Meistersinger in 2009 please! And congratulations to the Prommers in the Arena who stood for the whole thing.

Paul Hudson, Maidstone
What made this such an outstanding performance was the ability to be able to follow the libreto at the same time as experiencing the orchestra take centre stage - two dimensions nor usually available in the opera house. Whilst all the soloists were absolutely right for their roles, the chief glory of this performance was the BBC Symphony Orchestra on peak form - 6 harps and Wagner horns thrown in for good measure. The playing was consistently inspired and the final scenes simply overwhelming, as they should be. This was one of the real triumphs of the Proms for me, in a lifetime of attending now for over 40 seasons.

S.S.M. Ellis
Long yes, but also very hot in the hall but that aside a great preformance given by all who were involed.

Alex in Glasgow
WOW! What an amazing experience. Unfortunately I could not get a ticket to see it live, but was thrilled to listen in on radio 3. It was a truly uplifting and vibrant performance. I was particularly moved by the exceptionally talented Karen Carill Waltraute, and I heartily agree with the reviewers at the Telegrahe and the Times. Congratulations to all those involved for creating a wonderful evening of opera!