Yesterday, the radio opera was Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” – the first opera of the Ring Cycle – although it was the last composed. The cycle was composed backwrds in relation to its internal timeline. Wagner originally intended Götterdämmerung to stand alone – but on reflection, decided it needed some backstory. And that happened twice more. So, now, there is definitely enough back story to follow the ring from start to finish. With the exception of the Rhine maidens and Erda, no one in it is depicted in a good light. Wotan in particular is exposed as the typical ruler who contracts for a building project and then doesn’t want to pay the price specified in the contract. It’s staged by the Chinese national opera, as every summer season has been ending with for several years now. Which is not to say all the performers are Chinese. Wotan was sung by a bass from Latvia. It worked just fine. Opera singers train meticulously to pronounce all languages – and composers write passions right into the music. Even if one is not just listening but watching a performance – given that the casy includes two dwarves and two giants – no cast is going to capture the visuals of this one. Or at least, not without CGI. Incidentally – be grateful for the Grannies. I almost posted a video with Luciano Pavarotti and Dolly Parton. It has to be AI – but whoever made it understood, I thibk, their true characters – and nailed both. OK, off to see Virgil now – will check in on return. Meanwhile, enjoy the good news.
Golf I know Lona has seen this one – but maybe not everyone has.
Cat
