WAGNER: “Das Rheingold.” Marjana Lipovsek, Jadwiga Rappe, James Morris, Theo Adam, Heinz Zednik, Andreas Schmidt; Symphonie-Orchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Bernard Haitink. EMI-Angel 49853-2 (two compact discs).

The order may be jumbled, but the priorities are right: with his most recently published installment of the “Ring,” Haitink capitalizes on the promise of the previously released “Die Walkure.” What the conducting lacks in sheer, Soltiesque dazzle, it more than makes up in its adherence to line and respect for architecture, a symphonist’s probing view of the score, animated by the Bavarians’ accomplished playing and EMI’s resourceful engineers. Morris’ grainy bass epitomizes the callow young Wotan. Adam, a distinguished Wotan of yesteryear, brings uncommon intelligence and a tight top to Alberich. Noted, too, with pleasure: Lipovsek’s steady Fricka, Rappe’s opulent Erda, Zednik’s wily Loge and Schmidt’s Donner, a rich, baritonal, golden-age performance.