German composer Richard Wagner's ingenious development and use of chromatic language, instrumentation and tonality, enshrines his legacy as not only one of the great figures in operatic composition, but as one of classical music’s most innovative and influential figures.
The second work in his music drama quadrilogy Der Ring des Nibelungen (aka The Ring of the Nibelung), Die Walkure (aka The Valkyrie) is based on figures and elements of Norse mythology (specifically, the medieval Nordic texts Volsunga Saga and Poetica Edda). It is an epic exploration of broad themes of birth, death, jealousy, love and lust for power, told within the narrative framework of complex and often violent interaction between gods and mortals. Die Walkure contains the most recognized leitmotif in the entire cycle, the theme from the Ride of the Valkyries (the prelude to act 3).
While not a full costumed theatrical staging (the performers will be simply standing on stage singing their roles). It is very rare for a complete Wagner opera to be performed in New Zealand (in any capacity), and a wonderful opportunity to see some of our finest local opera singers, (including Simon O'Neill in the role of the hero Siegmund, Jonathan Lemalu as the warrior Hunding, and Margaret Medlyn as the God Wotan's wife Fricka) in magnificent Wagnerian splendour.
Die Walkure (New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) - Auckland Town Hall, 28th July
The Music and Dance Library contains an extensive collection of Wagner books, scores and audio and visual recordings of performances.
Natalie Pease
Music and Dance Library