What surprised me very positively at the beginning, was the sound recording and the performance of the WDR Radio Orchestra. Everything sounds clear, transparent and balanced! Prima! Also performed by conductor Helmuth Froschauer helps me with his interpretation as a whole is a little too tame, as the live "Vampyr" has under Neuhold (1980) significantly more bite, unfortunately, it falls short because something on the recording quality!
The real problem of this studio recording is but the faint idea of Franz Hawlata as Lord Ruthven, the title character. How much energy and drama sets Siegmund Nimsgern at Neuhold in this role - and how harmless to Hawlata takes contrast from! Just compare times the first aria of Ruthven of two shots!
The other roles are properly staffed, with Jonas Kaufmann as Aubry stands positively about the rest.
Libretto and an introduction to the work will be a booklet.
Conclusion: A thoroughly worthwhile purchase with excellent sound quality, which is unfortunately marred by the poor design of the title role. Personally, I prefer despite the technical flaws the live recording at Neuhold before, partly because of the fantastic Siegmund Nimsgern as Ruthven, and secondly because of the sprit zigeren conducting places.