2003 "Parsifal" on Sirius

This morning I heard Act 1 of Parsifal on Sirius satellite radio. The conductor seemed excellent, and I was surprised to see that this was Gergiev. Normally, I don't like Gergiev's conducting, at least with the Ring Cycle. But here was expansive, thoughtful music with perfect tempi. A minor miracle.

Listening to Wagner first thing in the morning can be a bit problematic, as not all my cells are awake yet, and I need all of them to let this profound, enormous music in. But for some reason, it worked with Parsifal. I don't think it would have worked with the Ring, as there is too much Sturm und Drang in it. Parsifal, though, is gentler on the mind and body and akin to a dream state, from which I had just awakened.