Wagner - Das Rheingold Details

A superb performance

This performance of Rheingold is wonderful. The start is decidedly baffling in that the curtain rises to reveal a large group of people just standing around doing nothing at all. There is no music and no movement until the whole lot suddenly mooch off the stage without comment. I thought they must have wandered into the wrong opera then left when they realised their mistake. However, after this false start, the real beginning is absolutely stunning. As the overture strikes up, a series of green lasers start to illuminate the stage. By the time the music has reached a crescendo, the stage is filled with an eerie green glow which beautifully represents the waters of the Rhein. The three Rheinmaidens appear singing and frolicking in a most appealing and convincing manner. Then Albrick appears and the interplay between him and the Maidens is brilliantly sung and acted and very, very funny!. An impressive and exciting start to an opera which never falters. The singing is superb from all the characters but Wotan (John Tomlinson) especially is magisterial. A rather camp Loge adds a genuine touch of humour which is inherent in the opera but needs to be brought out. I think this is a fantastic introduction the Ring and makes it accessible to anyone not familiar with Wagner’s works. There appear to be about ten other versions of Rheingold available to rent. I cannot make any comparisons because this is the only version I have seen up to now. What I can say, however, that you will not be disappointed with this version. It has everything; excellent singing, imaginative and convincing scenery and wonderful acting. It is not only a good introduction to the Ring but an excellent introduction to Wagner, proving that a Wagner opera can be great fun as well as dramatic and moving.