BBC Music-Magazine:
The real vocal honours are left for Gunther, Johannes Martin Kränzle. Properly full-toned and formidable at first, his final disintegration, as with his Glyndebourne Beckmesser, is tear-laden – evidently a speciality.

Opernglas:
Johannes Martin Kränzle begeistert als erst lebenslustiger und dann traumatisierter Gunther, dessen darstellerische Intensität mit seinem kernig strömenden Bariton kongenial Hand in Hand geht.

Der Opernfreund:
eine Wohltat ist es, Johannes Martin Kränzle zuzuhören, der sich mit seinem bestens focussierten, geradlinig und intensiv geführten Bariton in die erste Liga der Vertreter des Gunther singt, den er nicht als Schwächling, sondern als gestandenen Mann anlegt.

Classical CD Reviews, London:
One of the most interesting casting choices is Johannes Martin Kränzle as Gunther. British listeners will remember his Beckmesser at Glyndebourne, a fine performance both vocally and dramatically. There, as here, he sings with a distinctive and noble tone. That’s ideal for Beckmesser, as it forms part of the pompous personality that Wagner spends so much of the last act deflating. Here it makes Gunther sound all the more human, an attribute that can be all too easily sidelined in this magical context. This is a great performance from Kränzle, and he comes out on top vocally.

Opernwelt:
Johannes Martin Kränzles Gunther lebt von düsterem Furor: Sein „Bruder brünstig“ und wenig später sein „Bricht der Bruder den Bund“ hat nichts Hoffnungsfrohes mehr. Das ist Schwärze pur.

Orpheus:
Ein Gunther mit fast zu schönem, zu sonorem Bariton für den Schwächling ist Johannes Martin Kränzle mit vorbildlicher Diktion.

Classics Today:
Johannes Martin Kränzle is the Gunther and he is remarkable; indeed his portrayal of Gunther is the most important I’ve come across. He has true stature at home; he is a proud man. But his disgust at Hagen’s murder of Siegfried is palpable, and it is not just for Hagen: he hates himself for his gullibility. Gunther is seen as a more three-dimensional figure.

Musicweb International:
On the credit side we must mention the Gibichungen, who are the glories of this set. Gunther, Johannes Martin Kränzle, is strong and dark-voiced and excellently expressive. It’s a pleasure to hear him. The scene with Hagen and Gunther (CD 1 tr. 11-12) is stunning.