Die Walküre
The second opera in the Ring cycle contains some of Wagner's most memorable music. Love and power collide in Keith Warner's multi-layered production.
Photos
Introduction
A dangerous ring that grants its owner unlimited power has been forged. Wotan, ruler of the gods, is forced into a series of increasingly desperate compromises to try to retrieve it.
Background
Die Walküre had its premiere in Munich in 1870. It was conceived by Richard Wagner as the first day of the Ring, following the 'prelude' of Das Rheingold. Its music includes the lyrical 'Spring Song' and surging 'Ride of the Valkyries', one of Wagner's most instantly recognizable melodies. Die Walküre is the most performed individual opera in the cycle. Its complex exploration of familial relations has provided inspiration for many writers, including George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, Thomas Mann and Angela Carter.
Wotan's voyage of self-discovery and acceptance of the impossibility of his predicament are at the heart of Keith Warner’s production. Wotan’s great monologue in Act II – in a ruined hall of the gods that reflects his inner decline – is set to some of the most dramatic and experimental music Wagner created. By contrast, Siegmund and Sieglinde’s blossoming love is expressed in beautiful duets of great lyricism and fluidity, as is Wotan’s farewell to his beloved daughter Brünnhilde. Visual motifs recur throughout The Royal Opera’s production. They parallel Wagner’s innovative use of musical leitmotifs and bring unity to the cycle as a whole.
The Ring Cycle
This production is part of The Ring Cycle
Thanks to
Originally made possible by
The Dalriada Trust
How to support the Royal Opera House
Running time
About 5 hours 50 minutes | Including two intervals
Act 1 will last for about 1 hour 7 minutes, followed by a 30 minute interval. Act 2 will last for about 1 hour 35 minutes, followed by an interval of 1 hour 20 minutes. Act 3 will last for about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Language
Sung in German with English surtitles
Credits
| Director | Keith Warner |
| Set designs | Stefanos Lazaridis |
| Costume designs | Marie-Jeanne Lecca |
| Lighting design | Wolfgang Göbbel |
| Original Movement Director | Claire Glaskin |
| Video | Mic Pool |
| Video | Dick Straker |
| Associate Set Designer | Matthew Deely |
Related links
- en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia: Die Walkure
- www.rohcollections.org.uk Black and white photographic collection from 1948 - Die Walkure
- www.bbc.co.uk Judith Weir reflects on Wagner’s Ring cycle
- www.bbc.co.uk What is 'The Ring' about? - An Introduction
