Das Rheingold | The Ring Cycle

Opera North’s acclaimed concert staging of Wagner’s Ring cycle, filmed in Leeds, UK, June 2016.
The Ring begins with music that evokes the very dawn of time. From this moment we are plunged into the watery twilight beneath the river Rhine, transported to misty mountain-tops and to the depths of gloomy Nibelheim, before crossing the rainbow bridge that leads to Valhalla, fortress home of the gods. Set in a world populated by dwarfs and giants, gods and river-maidens, Wagner’s ‘preliminary evening’ to the Ring sets the whole epic cycle in motion in thrilling fashion.
CONDUCTOR: Richard Farnes
STAGE DIRECTOR AND LIGHTING & PROJECTION DESIGNER: Peter Mumford
FILM DIRECTOR: Peter Mumford
WOTAN: Michael Druiett
LOGE: Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
ALBERICH: Jo Pohlheim
FRICKE: Yvonne Howard
MIME: Richard Roberts
FREIA: Giselle Allen
DONNER: Andrew Foster-Williams
FROH: Mark Le Brocq
FASOLT: James Creswell
FAFNER: Mats Almgren
ERDA: Claudia Huckle
WOGLINDE: Jeni Bern
WELLGUNDE: Madeleine Shaw
FLOSSHILDE: Sarah Castle
Find out more » www.operanorth.co.uk/the-ring...
#ONRing

[@ShellyTheSeal]

"I have no taste for peace or happiness. And as for oblivion, my little fishy, you're already history"

[@JCOdrjones]

🗿

[@louisparry-mills9132]

This is incredible, thank you for making this more accessible to those who don't speak German

[@evaunit143]

Wolfgang's performance as Loge was fantastic, every gesture and expression from the man just exudes mischief and smug.

[@danielcowles7496]

agreed.

[@jeffsmith1798]

Opera singers amaze me. Virtuosity, musicianship, theatrics, acting, language-all come together in the opera singer.

[@maartenvanderlek8955]

The gestures and facial expressions captivate me. With everyone, and so well coordinated with each other. Also, rendered so fluently!! I like it! Thank you!

[@dr2549]

This is marvellous - the best and most intelligent way to experience The Ring through modern Media - sheer sight&sound without the ridiculous stage effects, plywood caves and wigs of old. Its Wagner at his most abstract profound level. and what a gushing, sensual and flowing orchestra and fine genius conductor!! I like it even better than Solti's.

[@JacobMinger]

The more I watch of this concert production the more I enjoy it’s simplicity honestly.

[@teddyvanjerry3451]

In the past, I just cannot tolerate the modern performance of these operas, only favouring traditional ones. However, since I have realized that the essence lies in music, and the performance conveys the same values in the modern way. Now I can appreciate these kinds of combination. Good for the production of the opera!

[@Bareego]

I mostly go by the most engaging acted version, the most exciting one. And for me that's the Barenboim version from Bayreuth. I keep listening to others but nothing comes close.

[@gonkdroid1348]

I went to the Seattle Opera performance in its last year and it was so good.

[@teddyvanjerry3451]

@@Bareego I also love that version very much! Besides I love the 1983 Bayreuth Solti version though it is very rare. The voice of Hildegard Behrens as Brünnhilde really amazed me.

[@samueljaramillo4221]

This music is so beautiful. The last time we attended the whole ring was at the Met. That was an experience. I would do this over and over.

[@scotchwhisky6094]

Not sure what to do on a date? Take her to The Ring Cycle.

[@canman5060]

This is serious !

[@angelaurbina4788]

I'm literally thinking of taking her

[@teddyvanjerry3451]

I would like to, but really rare to have the performance of the Ring.

[@emanuelosorio9610]

@Travis Skaalgard how so??

[@cmblocker95]

Well, you'll know each other better by the end!

[@barbarellaville]

I've listened to the entire cycle from Opera North and have to say it's my single favorite interpretation of the material. Everything is hyper-articulated and has a bit of an edge to it. The voices throughout are ones of supreme power and precision. The second part of Siegfried's funeral march is the best I've ever heard recorded. The conductor unlocks a certain "cinematic" excitement in it I'd never noticed before.

[@emanuelosorio9610]

2:08:36 My favourite part of Das Rheingold: Erda's warning. I liked his Erda. I think she handled the weight of a goddess voice well. Wagner knew how to write in a powerful Being's part. When she talks, the music is slow like the earth, forboding like a cave, and sleepful like a dormant volcano. Her leitmotif brings out her age and timelessness. How she introduces herself superb: All that once was, i know. "All that now is and all that is to be, i know...the Ur-Vala Erda speaks to you now." Outstanding performance. I also like the effects from the Karajan version. A good Loge is a good Das Rheingold.

[@californianorma876]

Thank you for your comment. I learn so much from other viewers/fans/Ringheads ! (applause)

[@edwardromana]

Ringheads LOL :)

[@allenjones3130]

The mezzo-soprano Jean Madeira(1918-72) was a renowned interpreter of the role of Erda, which she sang magnificently on Solti's Decca/London recording of "Rheingold".

[@607]

Watching this is the first opera experience that I have. I've got to say I enjoyed it a lot. Nice music, and great performance. I love Loge especially. So artful.

[@guitaoist]

I recommend Pirates of Penzance next if you havent seen anything else, the Kevin Kline version. Every minute is entertaining

[@VikingBoyBilly]

By the gods, it's extremely good fanfiction of Norse mythology. It's the origin of Asgard! It's filling in a missing chapter. I love this.

[@plakor6133]

I am a Ring newbie. This presentation is my favorite so far. The story is easy to follow.

[@stewartleung858]

I attended a concert performance of the Rheingold many years ago in Cleveland Ohio. It changed me thinking about music and life. What a great performance by Opera North.

[@azazelreeds]

I'm so thankful that while I'm still far from fluent my German is strong enough to pick up a lot of what is lost in translation. This is truly one of those pieces where the nuances are so thoroughly rooted in the native language a certain mystique is lost in translations.

[@_BMS_]

I am German and I tend not to understand at least half of the sung words. So, the subtitles are definitely not out of place!

[@wungabunga]

@@_BMS_Ha. I asked my French stepson if he could understand a French opera that was playing in the background, he said that he understood about half of it. This made me feel better about my French language skills.

[@EduardoHernandez-cc9qn]

An authentic jewel!!!!. Thank you so much from Guatemala centralamerica

[@welterwachen889]

Impressive performance, great voices, very good orchestral performance. Heartfelt greetings from Germany, André Buchheim

[@Mystikan]

There is a certain poignancy in realising that performing this cycle usually heralds the finale of a diva's career - especially when they play Brunnhilde, since the role is so demanding that it inevitably destroys their voiceboxes after a few years. The role is a diva's swan song, so to speak, when her voice is at its greatest and most beautiful, yet like a star going into its red giant stage, all too soon doomed to perish.

[@edwardromana]

what nonsense

[@wungabunga]

@@edwardromanalol sounded good though!

[@richardhands8932]

@@edwardromana Agreed, two words: Hunter and Rita, but not necessarily in that order. My all time favourite Brunhilde, but no doubt there are others who survived!

[@joaodecarvalho7012]

Hollywood's fantasy movies are a legacy of this tetralogy.

[@emilianocorradi4079]

It's amazing... Thanks for posting this beautiful interpretation!

[@Duketributechannel]

As a long time wagnerian i only say this: I like!

[@alicebui5285]

Une interprétation moderne qui me plait Énormément, elle donne un éclairage Précieux du Cycle le rendant plus compréhensible aux Non initiés à la musique de Wagner !!! Merci d’avoir publié la 1ère partie 👏👏♥️♥️♥️

[@michaelheintz8853]

As Anna Russell said "If you know the chord of E flat major you know the openign of Das Rheinigold."

[@samueloverend3517]

I've always disagreed with that. There is knowing the chord of E flat major, and there's being able to imagine producing the opening 4 minutes with it.

[@1st-Impressions]

I don't know how people can think the Ring cycle is too long at 17 hours when the TV series Vikings has 80 episodes (so far) of 45 minutes = 60 hours

[@Dabaka93]

Well, the big difference is that in the case of Vikings, those 60 hours are in 80 blocks, while the Ring is in 4 :D

They actually mean it's too slow, not too long. The pacing of an opera is way slower than the pacing of a Netflix series. This entire opera would be 20/30 minutes long if it were narrated in Netflix-style pacing.

[@johnholmes912]

just read war and peace; makes the ring seem like a passing moment

[@revmiguel2000]

TV and live opera are very different kettle of fish.

[@chrisjude9933]

i know im randomly asking but does anybody know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot the account password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@richardhands8932]

I saw this Ring live in Nottingham. The Rheingold stands out in my memory as one of the finest I have heard. Over the entire Ring Richard Farnes proved to have one of the best understandings of the monumental score from beginning to end. In the end I suppose I will always go back to Goodall and his measured speeds with the ENO for the quality of the ensemble cast over the whole Ring: Bailey, Hunter and Remedios et al. But this Ring was a huge and enjoyable achievement and stands out from the modern performance I have heard!

[@gustavocabrera-mw4vl]

thank you for uploading the FULL Ring Cycle ...

[@MrViola1234]

Ausgezeichnet! Guter Loge!

[@classicalricky]

Top notch performance. Loved it.

[@igna3302]

beautiful perfomance!!!!

[@michaelexman5474]

when it all starts to move togogether it gets me a great story that lakes you cry

[@edmilton738]

Thank you..♥

[@johnbevan4684]

This is excellent. Thanks for sharing.

[@tonylamberti9623]

LOVE IT..OUTSTANDING LOVE WAGNER AND HIS MUSIC LOVE OPERA NORTH...GREAT CAST OF SINGERS AND A GREAT CONDUCTOR....OUTSTANDING...BRAVO..

[@wertherquartett]

Magnificent, thank you❗️👋💍

[@kingraine1]

just amazing

[@thorsten1955]

Great performance!

[@jeanlannes5930]

this is beautiful

[@jameshowerton4677]

Wunderbar !!

[@atticuskelem3340]

did not know what i was getting into. certainly did not expect a lecherous dwarf to slip on a rock and get water up his nose in the first ten minutes. very curious what else happens

[@stellatuslupuscanis7592]

While I myself yearn for traditional Ring Cycle productions in the same vein as 2016 China National Opera House performance (traditional, embracing the Norse mythology with modern technology), this Opera North production is an excellent way to do an alternative format that avoids the abominations that the Regietheater has produced in recent years (looking at you, Copenhagen Ring!) It’s minimalistic in the sense of a lack of costumes and sets, and yet not too minimalistic, in that the singers also act - and act very well! - and don’t just read from sheet music as I’ve seen in another minimalist production (can’t recall which one, might have been Rattle?). Frankly, considering the standard of BBC productions nowadays and their recent penchant for artistic infidelity, it’s a miracle they didn’t go full Regietheater, but went for an interesting new route that puts the music and orchestra to the fore while following as closely as possible the stage directions of the original libretto, with minimal deviations. All in all, an excellent performance, which serves as a great introduction to the Ring Cycle for novices (speaking from personal experience).

[@deluxeclavier345]

In all fairness this is technically a “concert performance” of it

[@classicalricky]

i like rattle, but to each their own, i guess.

[@stellatuslupuscanis7592]

@classical music nerd Ricky So do I! I’m not criticising Simon Rattle at all, he’s an absolute national treasure, one of the best conductors alive, and his interpretations of Wagner are always especially excellent. I am merely that the stage performance was more like a concert feature than an opera, and so was as a result, extremely minimalistic. Not criticising, just an observation!

[@classicalricky]

Ok

[@Keithustus]

If only the singing and orchestra of the China production were up to international standards. Well, they tried anyway!

[@CRAEager]

Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke is a great Loge! I suppose I must be one of the lucky few to have seen him both in this superb Rheingold in Leeds in 2016 and in Oksana Lyniv’s magnificent version in Bologna in 2024 - purely by coincidence!

[@williampaxson4453]

I did take a date to the Ring Cycle!!

[@peterfox7404]

This is quality.

[@estromberg5153]

This Loge is honestly great in both singing and bringing out his character but ngl his hand movements have me cracking up at times

[@CapnKV]

I’ve always been of the opinion that Loge plays a bigger role behind the scenes than let’s on. Wotan says it was Loge’s idea to deal with the giants in the first place, Loge says he’d like to see Valhala burn, and his leitmotif is in every single part of the Ring.

[@AtiqZabinski]

@@CapnKV Funny, isn't it, how such a character is so notably absent from the rest of the Cycle, yet his leitmotif is constantly recurring? IMO, what makes an outstanding Ring performance is less the performances of Siegfried, Brunnhilde, etc. than of characters like these: Loge, Mime, Alberich, Hagen. And this performance has tops in all of them.

[@AtiqZabinski]

@E Stromberg He's doing his best to make up for the lack of CGI.

[@-cinnamaon_studios-7646]

This is beautiful, all of it. I am 15 and I adore this kind of music, It's art.

[@ingemayodon5128]

Chapeau! I was 15, and it was my 1st opera, and I was hooked!! Wagner my favorite. Today, I am 78, and have not changed my preference. I wish you good luck in your life, music helps a lot when life might not be easy ! Take care. Greetings from Montreal, Canada PS, this message is for Cinnamao as well.

[@DrWhoFanUK]

Bravo, I’ve been hooked for nearly 40 years. Just so you know once it’s got you in it’s spell you can never let it go.

[@mikhailvasiliev6275]

Wow, so quirky

[@-cinnamaon_studios-7646]

@@mikhailvasiliev6275 I’m 18 now, I still adore the music. 👺

[@classicalricky]

who was the camera director? they are very good w/ the visuals.

[@pega17pl]

I know it's very difficult to find an alto with a very low low register for Erda. - Heinz p.s.: Erda should not move on the stage, she is a so mighty figure.

[@charleslaine]

58:41 LOL Wotan just about looses it!

[@yojimbo8818]

36:40 My favourite part of Das Rehingold. His title is "Sanft Schlob dein Aug".

[@RafaelToscano]

the part that starts at 2:30:45 - that's the song I want to hear before I die.

[@emanuelosorio9610]

Good thing it's after the singing of the Rheinmaidens lol. False! False! I want Parsifal ending

[@TwinsunianT]

super!

One ring to rule them all, no, wait! wrong story

[@Keithustus]

Tolkien’s gotta steal from somewhere. (Like Wagner did of course)

[@cgonz20]

Entry of the Gods into Valhalla - 2:22:12

[@harryxie4124]

Is anyone else here because of mandalore?

[@aureliano_37]

Peak music

[@setshkrkrlenv]

24:10 is the funniest thing ever

[@mahoneytechnologies657]

People like to say that Beethoven and Bach are the Greatest, in my mind they don't stand close to Wagner! Wagner is Rich, Deep, and Complex - wrote the Music and the Opera! I remember hearing this for the first time on the Radio, KQED around early 1970s! I was Spellbound!

[@januszbogumil]

Wotan: lets Loge make a deal in which he gives away Freia Giants: come to take Freia Wotan: surprised pikachu face

[@drew4176]

Is this on spotify

[@Bigsupreme2000]

Are you comimg to this from the movie army of thieves.....this is el classico 😂😂

[@asrieldreemurr1988]

also with the power of the ring just create a freia clone

[@bulbasaurbrutal5137]

Was Tolkien inspired by this?

[@1968KWT]

Premiered at Bayreuth #otd in 1876 🌺🌺🌺

[@lenthisgoldstein9553]

What bothers me is that in the librettos Woglinde, Wellgunde, and Flosshilde are called the Rhinetochter Tochter is German for daughter and they call the Rhine vater which is father. If Wagner wanted them to be called Rine maidens he'd have called them rhine madchen.

[@deluxeclavier345]

Maybe WE’RE supposed to be calling them “Rhine Daughters”

[@lenthisgoldstein9553]

@@deluxeclavier345 good point, I know I do

[@emir3861]

damn

[@antonlavrentiev5249]

Флоссхильда симпатичная. Мимика хорошая. Я бы её проводил в номер после выступления. Хоть она и старше меня лет на 20 наверное.

[@johnbarry5036]

the thing is, the production on an opera can never equal the conception in the mind. Thats why reading a book is often so much better than a film of it. This kind of concert staging is best imo, although I think the projection screen should be removed, just the singers, orchestra and your imagination.

[@chullupa]

Alberich is literally me

[@TalkingSoup]

i know just enough german to hear the puns

[@emanuelosorio9610]

Which puns?

[@TalkingSoup]

@@emanuelosorio9610 Freia, die Holde; Holda, die Freie is a play on the root words of the names

[@nathanhancey8619]

Mandalore

[@REMONSTER]

Das chi-chi's ist muy grande, nien, bodaciously 'tis. Oh mama!

[@Cephalopoda]

Rhinemaidens: about as much use as a haddock at a football match.

[@neilrobson3064]

The Group 4 Security of the Ring Cycle…..

[@1968KWT]

Premiered #otd in 1869

[@pavan_kumar556]

9:31

[@ekbergiw]

How do English speakers watch live Opera???

[@texasjr1804]

It’s wonderful not knowing the actual words. Every time I listen it could be something from my own soul.

[@asrieldreemurr1988]

how can i give what i dont own is he implying that he thinks he owns freia

[@nofear1992jts]

Yep, he is Wotan King of the Gods.

[@dwainsimmons3447]

26:58

[@Dylonely42]

0:38

[@julietcaspers225]

1:08:50

[@robertflinch2447]

Isnt this show supposed to be 15 hours long or something

[@JunkerStolzing]

Rhinegold is only the preliminary evening to the 3 very long operas that will follow" Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung (" Twilight of the Gods")

[@laurenlarue7667]

What's Loki doing with his hands exactly? Or are they just trying to emphasize "lol Loki's quirky :P"?

[@JunkerStolzing]

That are flickering flames.. he is the impersonned fire

[@Dylonely42]

2:21:05

[@phoneminlwin5160]

You are also here!

[@jgesselberty]

I prefer a full-blown traditional staging; but these semi-staged concert performances do far more justice to the music than the cartoonish garbage we often see in modern productions.

[@gudnergiovannilondono9396]

I would say this opera will be far better if the singers/performers were wearing ancient customs which will be more related to the opera theme

[@mahoneytechnologies657]

The Rhinemaidens Started the Problem by too freely giving away the Secret of the Rhind's Gold! 😒

[@mikhailvasiliev6275]

Welp, I'm sure Alberich cursing love has some major significance in the story that either isn't going to be explained at all or is going to be explained very poorly. Horaaaayyyy.. 🙄

[@JunkerStolzing]

Alberich just learned from the Rhine - maidens that only he, who curses all love will gain the power 35:47 to forge the One Ring ( Tolkien loved Wagner"s Ring-cycle) ; only by uttering the curse is Alberich able and allowed to take the Rhinegold out of the rock and flee.

[@pikarari]

okay how about this Wotan is Donald Trump and Siegfried is Barron

[@pega17pl]

The Wotan in the Ring had at least a plan. - Heinz

[@Keithustus]

Well they both destroy the world, so sure. But somehow I doubt Barron will be the hero without fear.

[@emanuelosorio9610]

We need a Brunhilde, though...but without the end of the world

[@Keithustus]

@@emanuelosorio9610, hmmmmm, that rules out Greta Thunberg.....

[@helenkett7346]

ZzzzzzzZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ Ķ O

[@wagie95]

Makes me So upset that operas don’t invest in costumes anymore

[@JacobMinger]

This is a concert production. That’s why there aren’t costumes or props. Plenty of fully staged productions still exist

[@wagie95]

@@JacobMinger could You help me?

[@Endariel]

Well I gave it a thumbs up for the great idea to introduce the Ring to a non-German audience. Alas, about 50% of the singers were more or less mediocre, with of all roles Wotan the weakest voice.

[@Sammyjackson1488]

Worst giants ever.

[@maximilianbjorklund6544]

I thought Fasolt was ok, but Fafner, what a weird and constricted voice:(

[@richardhands8932]

Surely not! I can think of worse!!

[@marvelousball]

Damn, and to think this would be adapted into one of the worst games ever made.