Wagner: Das Rheingold
Synopsis
This 1978 studio production of the prologue to Wagner's masterpiece is the only segment of the famous Salzburg Festival/Metropolitan Opera productions, first seen in the 1960s, that made it to film. Based on one of those original productions, Georges Wakhevitch produced stage settings and transformations that supported Karajan's concept with every possible means. Herbert Von Karajan's staging is in the epic style of another age, emphasizing the dignity of the gods rather than their all too human failings. With the singers - foremost among them Peter Schreier - Karajan had an ensemble that fully conformed to his intentions.
Top Cast
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Herbert von Karajan
Self - Conductor
Thomas Stewart
Wotan
Vladimir de Kanel
Donner (actor)
Leif Roar
Donner (singer)
Hermann Esser
Froh
Peter Schreier
Loge
Zoltán Kelemen
Alberich
Gerhard Stolze
Mime
Gerd Nienstedt
Fasolt (actor)
Karl Ridderbusch
Fasolt (singer)
Louis Hendrikx
Fafner
Brigitte Fassbaender
Fricka
Jeannine Altmeyer
Freia
Martha Mödl
Erda (actor)
Birgit Finnilä
Erda (singer)
Eva Randová
Woglinde
Edda Moser
Wellgunde
Liselotte Rebmann
Flosshilde
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Herbert von Karajan
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Wagner
- Original Score
- Richard Wagner
- Original Title
- Wagner: Das Rheingold
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 2h 23m
- Production Studios
- Unitel, Deutsche Grammophon
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Herbert von Karajan
Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner
Ernst Wild
Department Leadership Roster
Ernst Wild
Director of Photography
Richard Wagner
Writer
Herbert von Karajan
Director
Richard Wagner
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 6 — Restricted to viewers aged 6 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Wagner: Das Rheingold.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wagner: Das Rheingold
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Wagner: Das Rheingold about?
This 1978 studio production of the prologue to Wagner's masterpiece is the only segment of the famous Salzburg Festival/Metropolitan Opera productions, first seen in the 1960s, that made it to film. Based on one of those original productions, Georges Wakhevitch produced stage settings and transformations that supported Karajan's concept with every possible means. Herbert Von Karajan's staging is in the epic style of another age, emphasizing the dignity of the gods rather than their all too human failings. With the singers - foremost among them Peter Schreier - Karajan had an ensemble that fully conformed to his intentions.
Who directed Wagner: Das Rheingold?
Wagner: Das Rheingold was directed by Herbert von Karajan.
Who stars in Wagner: Das Rheingold?
The principal cast of Wagner: Das Rheingold includes Herbert von Karajan, Thomas Stewart, Vladimir de Kanel, Leif Roar, Hermann Esser.
When was Wagner: Das Rheingold released and how long is it?
Wagner: Das Rheingold was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 2h 23m.
Who composed the musical score for Wagner: Das Rheingold?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Wagner: Das Rheingold was composed by Richard Wagner.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Wagner: Das Rheingold?
Wagner: Das Rheingold holds official age classifications: DE: 6 (FSK 6 — Restricted to viewers aged 6 and older.).