Description
Richard Wagner - Die Walküre (The Metropolitan Opera Production) DVD
UPC: 044007304990
Product Features
- Title: Die Walküre (The Valkyrie)
- Composer: Richard Wagner
- Conductor: James Levine
- Performers:Orchestra and Chorus: The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
- Brünnhilde: Hildegard Behrens
- Siegmund: Gary Lakes
- Sieglinde: Jessye Norman
- Wotan: James Morris
- Fricka: Christa Ludwig
- Hunding: Kurt Moll
- Valkyries:
- Gerhilde: Martha Thigpen
- Helmwige: Katarina Ikonomu
- Siegrune: Diane Kesling
- Ortlinde: Wendy Hillhouse
- Waltraute: Joyce Castle
- Grimgerde: Sondra Kelly
- Schwertleite: Jacalyn Bower
- Rossweisse: Korliss Uecker
- Stage Production: Otto Schenk
- Set and Projection Design: Günther Schneider-Siemssen
- Video Director: Brian Large
- Audio Producer: Jay David Saks
- Executive Producer: Peter Gelb
Special Features
- Bonus:Sound: DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM Stereo
- Picture Gallery: "Die Walküre at the Met"
- Trailer
- Picture Format: NTSC, 4:3, Color
- Subtitles: German (original language), English, French, Spanish, Chinese
- Menu Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Chinese
- Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
- Total Runtime: 241 minutes (2 DVDs)
Overview
This Metropolitan Opera production of Richard Wagner's Die Walküre, part of his epic Ring Cycle, is a breathtaking portrayal of one of the most dramatic and pivotal operas in the cycle. Conducted by the legendary James Levine, the opera features a star-studded cast, including Hildegard Behrens as Brünnhilde, Jessye Norman as Sieglinde, and James Morris as Wotan. Kurt Moll provides a formidable performance as Hunding, while Christa Ludwig portrays the fiery Fricka.
Directed for the stage by Otto Schenk, with evocative set and projection designs by Günther Schneider-Siemssen, this production brings to life Wagner’s complex characters and themes of love, betrayal, and destiny. The powerful orchestration and vocal performances under Levine’s baton make this a must-see for Wagner enthusiasts and opera lovers alike.
Interesting Facts
- Hildegard Behrens was widely regarded as one of the greatest Brünnhildes of her time, with her performance in this production considered one of her finest.
- James Levine is celebrated for his masterful interpretation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, and this production is often cited as a definitive version of Die Walküre.
- Jessye Norman’s portrayal of Sieglinde is both powerful and emotional, contributing to the deep emotional currents that run through this tragic opera.
- Die Walküre is the second opera in Wagner’s Ring Cycle and contains the famous “Ride of the Valkyries,” one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music.
Track Listing
Act 1:
- Prelude
- Siegmund and Sieglinde’s First Encounter
- Hunding’s Home
Act 2:
- Wotan and Fricka’s Confrontation
- Brünnhilde’s Mission
- The Fate of Siegmund
Act 3:
- Ride of the Valkyries
- Brünnhilde’s Defiance
- Wotan’s Farewell and the Magic Fire
Bonus Content
- Picture Gallery: "Die Walküre at the Met"
- Trailer
Publishers
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon
- Year of Release: 2002 (Original production: 1990)
- Made in: EU
Hashtags
#Wagner #DieWalküre #HildegardBehrens #JessyeNorman #JamesMorris #JamesLevine #MetropolitanOpera #OperaDVD #DeutscheGrammophon #RingCycle
