Wagner: Götterdämmerung

Heinz Kruse (Siegfried); Wolfgang Schöne (Gunther); Henk Smit (Alberich); Kurt Rydl (Hagen); Jeannine Altmeyer (Brünnhilde);

Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra; Harmut Haenchen

Stage Director(s): Pierre Audi

In the fourth and final part of the epic cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen, the treachery and betrayal which leads to Siegfrieds death also heralds the downfall of the Gods and the return of the gold to the Rhine. This stunning production of The Ring from Het Muziektheater Amsterdam blends the lyrical, mythical and philosophical qualities of Wagners work into a profound unity. Pierre Audis stage direction is inspired and amazing sets by George Tsypin and wonderful costumes by Oscar-winning Eiko Ishioka complement singing and playing of great intensity from the cast and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra under Hartmut Haenchens visionary musical direction. This is a Ring to remember. This production of The Ring of the Nibelung is based on the new Complete Edition of the works of Richard Wagner.

Reviews

"Pierre Audis Ring really shines!" (Wagner Society)

"blend of transparent stage direction, powerful images and colourful orchestral playing. Perfect." (Trouw)

"It is breathtaking to experience how well the technical and spatial possibilities of Het Muziektheater are being used; and even more overwhelming to see the focus on the individual in all this excitement. Het Muziektheater had a premiere without any equal" (Het Financieële Dagblad)

"Audi and designer George Tsypin work with a varying series of thrillingly lit (Wolfgang Goebbel) acting areas, Hartmut Haenchen's orchestra(s) constantly visible in a manner reminiscent of Baroque theatre." (Gramophone)

"Pierre Audi's production remains boldly modern, but more respectful of Wagner's conception than most these days." (BBC Music Magazine)

Extra features

Cast gallery and Synopsis. Introduction to Götterdämmerung, produced by the Dutch broadcaster VPRO with presenter Michaël Zeeman, composer Peter-Jan Wagemans and Ronald de Leeuw.