Based on the story of Siegfried the dragon slayer, and the fall of the Burgundian Royal House, against a background of brawling gods and bawdy goddesses, tempestuous heroes and determined heroines, black-hearted villains, and sorcerers and trolls. 'Rhinegold' is a combination of history and legend, family drama and heroic battles.
A comprehensive guide to Wagner's THE RHINEGOLD (Das Rheingold), featuring Principal Characters in the opera, Brief Story Synopsis, Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples, and an insightful and in depth Commentary and Analysis by Burton D. Fisher, noted opera author and lecturer.
A greenish twilight, lighter above than below. The upper part is filled with undulating water, which streams respectively from right to left. Towards the bottom the waves resolve themselves into a mist which grows finer as it descends, so that a space, as high as a mans body from the ground, appears to be quite free from the water, which floats like a train of clouds over the gloomy stretch below. Steep rocky peaks jut up everywhere from the depths, and enclose the entire stage. The ground is a wild confusion of jagged rocks, no part of it being quite level, and on every side deeper fisures are indicated by a still denser gloom. Woglinde circles with graceful swimming movements round the central rock.
Richard Wagner's 'The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie' (The Ring of the Niblung) is a monumental work of opera filled with mythical themes, complex characters, and Wagner's signature use of leitmotifs. This epic tale follows the struggles of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures as they battle for power and honor. Wagner's lush and intricately woven storytelling captivates the reader from start to finish, establishing a sense of grandeur and spirituality that is unlike any other. Set in the context of German Romanticism, the book explores themes of love, power, and destiny, making it a profound and thought-provoking read. The rich symbolism and layered narrative make 'The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie' a true masterpiece of literature that transcends time and genre.
Das Rheingold, the opening of Wagner's four-part The Ring of the Nibelung, stands out as more genteel and picturesque than the others. But it immediately establishes the huge scale of the overall work, and the extraordinary musical language that will be displayed throughout. It is a miracle of musical history that Wagner's 1850 conception could be brought to completion, in an organic whole, some twenty-five years later. Stewart Spencer discusses the way in which Wagner fuses genuine mythology with his own invention and John Deathridge places the opera in the context of The Ring and its century.Contents: The Beginning of 'The Ring', John Deathridge; 'The Rhinegold' - The Music, Roger North; Language and Sources of 'The Ring', Stewart Spencer; Das Rheingold: Poem by Richard Wagner; The Rhinegold: English translation by Andrew Porter
The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie by Richard Wagner: This two-volume set contains the librettos for two of the four operas in Wagner's famous Ring Cycle: The Rhinegold and The Valkyrie. These works are among the most important and influential in all of opera, telling an epic story of gods, heroes, and mortals in a mythic world of magic and power. Key Aspects of the Book "The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie": Opera: The book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of opera and the development of the art form in the 19th century. Mythic Storytelling: The operas tell an epic story of gods, heroes, and mortals, drawing on ancient myths and legends from Norse and Germanic mythology. Wagnerian Influence: The operas are among the most important and influential works in the history of music, and continue to inspire composers and artists to this day. Richard Wagner was a German composer and conductor who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of music. His operas, including The Rhinegold and The Valkyrie, revolutionized the art form and continue to be performed and celebrated around the world today.