Wagner: Das Rheingold
Das Rheingold - Bayreuther Festspiele
Synopsis
This is a beautifully conducted and thoughtfully staged performance of the first opera (the prologue) in Wagner's Ring Cycle. As soon as the clouds of mist have dissipated, while the daring, long-held opening chord is still reverberating, the screen clears to show not only the River Rhine and the three maidens (dressed like prostitutes in this production) assigned to guard the gold hidden there. It also shows an enormous dam (not mentioned in Wagner's text). This is the underwater base of a hydroelectric plant, and its presence tells us two things immediately: that this production takes the story out of the vaguely medieval fantasy world in which Wagner had placed it, and that a basic theme of the four-opera cycle would be power. Alberich, the Nibelung, is willing to renounce the love of women, after stealing the gold from the Rhine, to become the ruler of the world. Another basic theme is greed.
Part of the Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen 1980
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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Rheingold Lugt Schwestern
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-05-27
Top Cast
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Donald McIntyre
Wotan
Martin Egel
Donner
Siegfried Jerusalem
Froh
Heinz Zednik
Loge
Matti Salminen
Fasolt
Fritz Hübner
Fafner
Hermann Becht
Alberich
Helmut Pampuch
Mime
Hanna Schwarz
Fricka
Carmen Reppel
Freia
Ortrun Wenkel
Erda
Norma Sharp
Woglinde
Ilse Gramatzki
Wellgunde
Marga Schiml
Flosshilde
Pierre Boulez
Self - Conductor
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Brian Large, Patrice Chéreau
- Screenplay & Story
- Richard Wagner
- Original Score
- Richard Wagner
- Original Title
- Das Rheingold - Bayreuther Festspiele
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 2h 26m
- Production Studios
- Unitel Classics, Deutsche Grammophon, Bayreuther Festspiele
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Brian Large, Patrice Chéreau
Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner
Department Leadership Roster
Richard Wagner
Writer
Richard Wagner
Original Music Composer
Brian Large
Director
Patrice Chéreau
Director
Richard Peduzzi
Production Design
Production Stills & Gallery
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Featured In Curated Collections
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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 is a beautifully conducted and thoughtfully staged performance of the first opera (the prologue) in Wagner's Ring Cycle. As soon as the clouds of mist have dissipated, while the daring, long-held opening chord is still reverberating, the screen clears to show not only the River Rhine and the three maidens (dressed like prostitutes in this production) assigned to guard the gold hidden there. It also shows an enormous dam (not mentioned in Wagner's text). This is the underwater base of a hydroelectric plant, and its presence tells us two things immediately: that this production takes the story out of the vaguely medieval fantasy world in which Wagner had placed it, and that a basic theme of the four-opera cycle would be power. Alberich, the Nibelung, is willing to renounce the love of women, after stealing the gold from the Rhine, to become the ruler of the world. Another basic theme is greed.
Who directed Wagner: Das Rheingold?
Wagner: Das Rheingold was directed by Brian Large, Patrice Chéreau.
Who stars in Wagner: Das Rheingold?
The principal cast of Wagner: Das Rheingold includes Donald McIntyre, Martin Egel, Siegfried Jerusalem, Heinz Zednik, Matti Salminen.
When was Wagner: Das Rheingold released and how long is it?
Wagner: Das Rheingold was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 2h 26m.
Who composed the musical score for Wagner: Das Rheingold?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Wagner: Das Rheingold was composed by Richard Wagner.