Die Walkure at the Metropolitan Opera – 1987 Magic Fire Music
Contents
Die Walkure at the Metropolitan Opera – 1987 Magic Fire Music was an incredible performance that I was lucky enough to see. The music was so powerful and the singers were amazing.
Introduction
Wagner’s Walkure, the second of four operas that make up his epic Der Ring des Nibelungen, was first performed in 1870. It tells the story of Wotan, the king of the gods, and his efforts to ensure the survival of his dynasty through the birth of his grandson, Siegfried.
The Walkure is set in a mythical world of gods and heroes, and its music reflects this plane of existence with its grandeur and power. But it also contains moments of great beauty and tenderness, particularly in the love music between Wotan and his daughter Brunnhilde. These opposing forces give the opera its emotional power and make it one of Wagner’s most popular works.
The Metropolitan Opera
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Die Walkure
Wagner’s Die Walkure is one of the most popular operas in the world. It is the second part of the Ring Cycle, and has been performed countless times. The Metropolitan Opera is one of the most prestigious opera companies in the world, and their production of Die Walkure is highly acclaimed.
Act I
Act I of Die Walkure begins with a scene in the forest near the home of Siegmund and Sieglinde. Siegmund, Sieglinde, and their father Wotan live together in the forest, where they are hiding from Wotan’s Wife Fricka. In this scene, Siegmund and Sieglinde are talking about their lives and their loneliness. Sieglinde is married to Hunding, but she is not happy. She tells Siegmund that she wishes she could find a man who would love her and protect her from her husband. Siegmund tells Sieglinde that he will never leave her alone and that he will always protect her.
Suddenly, Hunding comes home and starts to fight with Siegmund. During the fight, Hunding is killed and Siegmund takes his sword. This sword is called “Nothung” and it was given to Siegmund by Wotan. Nothung is a magical sword and it can only be used by someone who is pure of heart. After Siegmund kills Hunding, he takes Sieglinde back to their home in the forest.
Act II
Siegmund has been wounded and is about to be slain by Hunding. Sieglinde tries to protect her brother, but she is no match for Hunding. She begs Siegmund to save himself and tells him that he must live so that their son can avenge them both. With his last breath, Siegmund plunges his sword into Hunding’s heart.
Act III
Brunnhilde has been banished by her father Wotan and sent to sleep on a rock, surrounded by a ring of fire, until she is awakened by a hero who bravely kills the dragon that guards her. When Siegfried, son of the Götterdämmerung heroine Sieglinde and the Nibelung ruler Siegmund, hears Brunnhilde’s story, he sets out to find her. After slaying Fafner, the transformed dragon, he climbs through the fire to embrace Brunnhilde.
The Magic Fire Music
The “Magic Fire Music” is one of the most famous and well-loved pieces of music from Wagner’s opera Die Walkure. It is often performed as a stand-alone piece, and is a favorite of classical music fans all over the world.
Conclusion
Overall, Die Walkure at the Metropolitan Opera was a highly enjoyable experience. The production values were top-notch, and the music was performed beautifully. The cast was stellar, and the singing was simply phenomenal. My only criticism is that the production wasn’t quite as emotionally engaging as it could have been. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding production.
