The Metropolitan Opera's season comes to its conclusion this Saturday with a new production of Die Walkure, starring Bryn Terfel and Deborah Voigt.
When Richard Wagner decided to write an opera based on the Norse god Siegfried, he wrote from the end to the beginning, essentially. Wagner's first idea was to write an opera about Siegfried's death. Through that process, he decided it would then be a good idea to tell the story of Siegfried's life.
As a result, even though Die Walkure is placed second in the four operas forming Wagner's gargantuan Ring Cycle, it was the third he wrote of the four.
Die Walkure tells the (occasionally disturbing) tale of Siegfried's conception. To tell you more, such as who his parents are, would give far too much away of the tale.
One of Wagner's most recognizable pieces, Ride of the Valkyries, comes from this particular opera, as does one of the most famous Looney Tunes cartoons of all time, "What's Opera, Doc?" (of course I'll include a link...)
Listen to Classical MPR Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. for a live broadcast of Wagner's Die Walkure from The Metropolitan Opera.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
