Wagner: Das Rheingold poster

Wagner: Das Rheingold

7.1(5)19802h 26m3

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.

Share WhatsApp Telegram
Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
German
Part of Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen 1980 · 5 films
  • opera
  • opera live performance
  • bayreuther festspiele

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

Germany

Where to watch

All options

Availability for United States. Provided by JustWatch through the TMDB API.

Gallery

Still from Wagner: Das Rheingold

Videos

Release dates

  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical12 Aug 1980
  • GermanyDE

    • Theatrical12 Aug 1980

Frequently asked questions

Wagner: Das Rheingold was released on 12 August 1980.

Member reviews

Sign in to rate and review. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

Member comments

0

Sign in to post a comment. Browsing stays free and open.

Sign in

More like this