Das Rheingold
Das Rheingold, the first of four operas in Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen cycle, was first performed in Munich on 22 September 1869, at the insistence of Wagner's patron, King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The first performance of the complete cycle was in Bayreuth on 13 August 1876.
The Dwarf Alberich steals the magic gold from the Rhine maidens and creates a ring from the gold, setting the scene for the story running through all four operas (based on Norse sagas and the Nibelungenlied, an epic poem in an old version of the German language in use between 1050 and 1350).
A selection of articles about Das Rheingold
Ensemble. A Quartet of Jubilation - Vocal music by Wagner and Richard Strauss, streamed from Germany and enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Musically Outstanding - Wagner's 'Das Rheingold' in dress rehearsal at Covent Garden impresses Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Highly Effective - 'Das Rheingold' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Much Awaited - Bayreuth's 'Das Rheingold' previewed in Rome, as experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Key Flaw - If 'Das Rheingold' becomes a comedy, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Complete Delight - Wagner's 'Die Walküre' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed in HD from Arizona by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Exquisite Performance - Metropolitan Opera's live HD transmission of 'Boris Godunov', enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. No Intermission - Maria Nockin experiences Metropolitan Opera's HD transmission of 'Das Rheingold'
Ensemble. High Expectations - Barenboim's 'Das Rheingold' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Authority and Charisma - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Recovered Voices - Two operas in Los Angeles over the Easter weekend, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. New and Different - 'Rheingold' from Los Angeles, recommended by Maria Nockin
DVD Spotlight. Stunning lighting - Highlighs from Barenboim's 'Ring', concluding a series of reviews by Robert Hugill. 'The balance ... favours Evans more, which is a good thing.'
CD Spotlight. Truly believable - Barenboim conducts Wagner's 'Das Rheingold' from Bayreuth, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a beautiful, well-shaped, flowing performance.'
DVD Spotlight. Sinister power - 'Das Rheingold', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous experience ...'