Holiday gift guide 2012: Opera & Classical Music

Find the perfect gift for that special someone, from two golden Ring cycles to new music from New York City

By Time Out editors Tue Nov 13 2012

Next year marks composer Richard Wagner's 200th birthday, so it comes as no surprise that stores in New York and on the Web are well-stocked with new versions of his Ring opera cycle just in time to be special gifts. Choose from traditional or new-fangled varieties as you do your holiday shopping, or buy some new music and help out an important NYC record label.

RECOMMENDED: Complete holiday gift guide

Photograph: Courtesy Universal Classics

Der Ring des Nibelungen

Sir Georg Solti’s classic account of Wagner’s Ring cycle gets the superdeluxe treatment in this 17-CD/DVD/Blu-ray set, with a facsimile of Solti’s annotated score. Decca, available at amazon.com, $206
Photograph: Courtesy Universal Classics

Der Ring des Nibelungen

Though it sparked dissent in the house, Robert Lepage’s Met Ring is ideal for home viewing on eight DVDs or five Blu-ray discs. Deutsche Grammophon, available at amazon.com, $130
Photograph: Jessica Lin

New Amsterdam Records

Treat your loved ones to a disc or three from this hip New York label—and help it recover from devastating hurricane losses. Available at amazon.com, $16–$18

Photograph: Courtesy Universal Classics

Der Ring des Nibelungen

Sir Georg Solti’s classic account of Wagner’s Ring cycle gets the superdeluxe treatment in this 17-CD/DVD/Blu-ray set, with a facsimile of Solti’s annotated score. Decca, available at amazon.com, $206