A journey to another realm begins
Das Rheingold introduces the central characters and themes, which are developed further as the story continues. According to Wagner, Das Rheingold was “the preliminary evening of a stage festival play”.
Autumn 2019Das Rheingold
Richard Wagner
The new Finnish Ring
Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelungs), also called the Ring cycle, is an opera tetralogy composed by Richard Wagner. Ever since this extraordinary work saw its world premiere in Bayreuth in 1876, it’s been counted among the greatest artistic achievements of Western culture. The Ring is based on ancient German and Nordic tales. The four operas are set in a mythical world, but their themes are equally pertinent in the modern day.
Alberich steals the gold guarded by the Rheinmaidens from the river Rhein. He renounces love and forges the gold into a ring, which will give its bearer unlimited power. Wotan, the ruler of the gods, however, also longs for absolute power.
Recommended for children over the age of 12.
Photos: Ralph Larmann and Stefan Bremer
“The staging must match the grandeur of Wagner’s music. Traditionally, the Ring is a story about love, revenge, power and greed. Behind this epic narrative, however, there are even greater themes: questions and answers about mythology, faith and consciousness. I want my direction to be as layered as the music.”
– Anna Kelo, Director
Das Rheingold was streamed live on Saturday 7 September. The recording is now available on Stage24.
The live stream was produced in cooperation with the Finnish broadcasting company Yle.
Photo: Ralph Larmann
Photo: Stefan Bremer
In payment for building the castle Valhalla, the giants Fafner and Fasolt demand that the ruler of the gods Wotan surrender either the goddess of youth Freia or the golden treasure stolen by the dwarf Alberich from the maidens of the Rhine. Wotan uses his cunning to secure the gold for himself instead. Alberich’s brother Mime has used the gold to fashion a magic helmet which allows the wearer to
change shape. Wotan entices Alberich to prove its transformative powers by changing into a toad. Alberich is easily trapped and forced to give up his treasure. He bitterly puts a death curse on the ring. The giants are given the Rhine gold in exchange for Freia, whom they have kidnapped, but Alberich’s curse soon takes effect. They begin to fight over the treasure and Fafner ultimately kills Fasolt.
A full synopsis and background information are available in the programme booklet.
“Das Rheingold – Helsinki, Finnische Nationaloper”
Read article
“Embarking on an Epic: Das Rheingold at the Finnish National Opera”
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“Salonen's Helsinki Rheingold celebrates Finnish vocal talent as new Ring launches”
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“HELSINKI/ Finnische Nationaloper: DAS RHEINGOLD – Neuinszenierung”
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Music
Richard Wagner
Conductor
Director
Anna Kelo
Sets, lighting design, video design
Mikki Kunttu
Costumes
Erika Turunen
Wotan
Fricka
Loge
Freia
Donner
Froh
Alberich
Mime
Fafner
Fasolt
Erda
Woglinde
Wellgunde
Flosshilde
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