[ Naxos Blu-ray / 4 Blu-ray Box Set ]
Release Date: Thursday 15 September 2022
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Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen ('The Ring of the Nibelung') comprises four operas of which Die Walküre ('The Valkyrie') is the second, famous for its spectacular set-pieces such as the Ride of the Valkyries and Wotan's Farewell. The plot focuses on the lovers Siegmund and Sieglinde and on the disobedience of the Valkyrie Brünnhilde, who defi es the edict of Fricka, the goddess of marriage, to punish them. With Die Walküre Wagner achieved a perfect synthesis of poetry and music. Sir Donald Runnicles conducts an internationally acclaimed cast in this innovative new production by Norwegian director Stefan Herheim
" ...the vocal standards remain high. Stemme is more comfortable, her cushioned tone pulsing with emotion. Hilley continues to shine, and there are fine performances from Albert Pesendorfer, as a baleful Hagen, and Thomas Lehman, as a ringing if simpering Gunther....Down in the pit, it's a straight slam dunk. Donald Runnicles leads pacy yet detailed readings of all four operas, and his orchestra is superb. His conducting abounds in characterful touches, witty gesture and refulgent emotion. Intellectually elaborate, emotionally complex and often provocative, this is a probing, thought-through production… if it's a thinking-person's Ring you're after, there's plenty here to engage you". © 2023 Opera News
"Donald Runnicles leads an impressive account of the score. His deep knowledge of the music comes through in the naturalness of the discourse, the easy communication with the singers-many in role debuts-and the vibrant colours he draws from the orchestra. …The orchestra responds well, and provides a deep, rich string tone as the basis of the musical drama.
Visually, the production is stunning, and musically the cast is never less than serviceable, with several excellent voices in each opera." 2023 Fanfare