This memorable 1954 recording of Die Walk�re was both the first complete studio recording of the opera, and the last studio recording made by Wilhelm Furtw�ngler, who would die less than two months later. The first review of the recording, in the September 1955 issue of The Gramophone described Furtw�ngler and the Vienna Philharmonic as �the bright particular stars of this performance � every department of the finest quality � so [the opera] shines and glows with light and warmth under Furtw�ngler�s inspired direction�. There are no better illustrations of Furtw�ngler�s lasting reputation than this Walk�re and his superb 1952 and 1953 recordings of Tristan und Isolde (Naxos 8.110321-24) and Fidelio (Naxos 8.111020-21), Furtw�ngler�s only studio recordings of complete operas.