Richard Wagner's Das Rheingold

[jcleo77]

I recently saw Freyer's new Rheingold for the opera in Mannheim. Very similar in concept to this one, though done with a much smaller budget and therefore not as visually impressive (but the giants looked better in Mannheim). As drama, I didn't think the Mannheim version worked at all. Very static, with lots of motifs that simply made no sense whatsoever, and nothing that illuminated the story or brought something new to it. So apparently not much difference to the LA version...

[Shogunmiyuchan]

OOO, Star Wars! :P

[windstorm1000]

Terrible production

[mongemark]

a very big big big shit ...poor Wagner!!

[tt0308]

Opera usually provides outrages plots - why shouldn't the staging be outrages too. People who complain of new approaches are basically understanding opera as some kind of museum - which will put an end to this fantastic form of art sooner or later. Let them make some experiments and create breathtaking theater and the younger audience will wait in long lines to see it!

[TheAaronmoses]

Wagnern als Comic-Strip !!! Cool, darauf hätte man schon lange kommen müssen... Ich finde es klasse ... AR.

[Sammyjackson1488]

Is it just my imagination, or are Ring Cycles now being produced by flag-burning commie scum whose only intent is to desecrate and insult Wagner? Or are these directors just fucking idiots?

[Jaydoggy531]

@Sammyjackson1488

It has nothing to do with politics or "flag-burning commie scum." They're leftovers of dadaism. It's quite pompous none the less.

[Sammyjackson1488]

@Jaydoggy531

Is dadaism nihilistic in nature, and full of hate and bile? I mean, what's going on?

[Jaydoggy531]

@Sammyjackson1488

Dadaism was a movement found in all forms of art including theater, gallery art, and writing. It was born out of the world wars. The philosophy of it was that the chaos of the world justified broken art, and that conventions of the past were part of the grand tapestry that lead up to the wars. Thus, they say that the only good art now is dada. If you ever want to make their blood boil though - tell them their works are cliche, now that it's the 21st century.

[Sammyjackson1488]

@Jaydoggy531

But how could his dada movement not only continue through today, but also infest the most beautiful and uplifting works like the Ring? Do audiences like it, or do opera goers long for spears and battle axes like I do?

[Jaydoggy531]

@Sammyjackson1488

It is especially present in Wagner's music because of the Wagner family's involvement with Hitler. Today the family is not. Originally their new stagings became more minimal, but when other directors got involved with the principles of dada, regietheater became rampant. In truth, the majority of audiences do not approve, and it attracts less new-comers to opera (and scares some away). They are praised only by critics hoping that they will be involved in the creation of...

[Jaydoggy531]

@Sammyjackson1488

(cont.)... in the creation of a new famous artist. Essentially, it's everyone hoping to be famous and to be involved with someone who is famous. There have been cases of careers destroyed and people fired because of disagreeing with such directors. And people wonder why less and less want to go to the opera house...

[MarcusHolly]

@Sammyjackson1488 I hope so.

[evangeline135]

looks amazing...

[Maddy4Me]

01:55 is one of the most beautiful lines in the whole Ring Cycle. And in fairness, it's not TOO badly delivered, though perhaps a little broken...but how can it be taken seriously when the production looks like that? Does Fricka need to look like an extra from the film 'Freaks'?

[philmkim]

Just saw this tonight, and I will agree that it is very interesting visually, and that the music was very good, though there will always be some sour notes with live brass. Morris Robinson was terrific as Fasolt as well as Richard Paul Fink's very physical Alberich. Though some of the complexities in the stagecraft detracted from what would have been very impressive moments, I can't begrudge the artistic director for trying. The show was actually less abstract than I imagined it would be!

[goobleglob]

You know, at first I thought this was self indulgent-crap when I went to see it (Rheingold and Walkure; Siegfried and Gotterdammerung are coming soon), and some of it is, but truthfully-- however you feel about it-- you have to admit it's very interesting to look at. The singing was great, and although the DCP has crappy acoustics, the music shone. Overall though, the worst part was the cast's lack of interaction in Freyer's direction. I almost fell asleep at one point, it was so static.

[semieuphoric]

Oh my. What absolute dreck. Thank you for posting these videos - it saved me some money.

[rumpwrestler]

I love it. This is Wagner via Disney on LSD. At least it's not that silly RING at the past MET seasons.

[lewars1912]

This is the worst I've ever seen.

Directors and their crazy egos. They need to grow up.

[phil2u]

I didn't realize the Ring was a comedy.

[TheTristan1954]

tutto al mondo é burla

[aalleexxbb]

This is crazy! I can't say I understand or agree with all of the artistic choices, but the plot is pretty epic and over the top. So why not the staging?

[ceraph888]

The imagery of the gods and goddesses is very distinctive from any other Rheingold. Huge risk for LA opera to do this, Kudos for their courage.

[appledecca]

i reckon ARTAUD would love this stage. Thank you - For the LIGHT sabers , costumes & masks I have to favourite it. Regards.

[spfxdude]

I believe there is a french word... Travesty? I honor the art but slapping concept nonsense on this fine work just makes if laughable.

[barbadangelo]

looks amazing and elemental

[isabelle070209]

Quand le muppet show rencontre star wars

[tolitz11]

with the muppets and star wars like theme of this ring production by the LA Opera, i wanted to watch this!, they seems to be an ultra modern one, and i think, children will gonna love the production because of the Muppets and Light Saber

[nameUnavailab1e]

Okay, I understand that this might be full of "abstract art" and whatnot... but wtf?

And I don't understand why Loge wears a devil suit =\

[Wittmann73]

terrible, like Muppet Show

[randyc9999]

Wow, I sure hope this is recorded and available for purchase on DVD.

[darkcarnivaldesign]

I saw this production, and I have to say it was pretty abysmal. A self-indulgent mess, truculently static, and a disservice to the great music. Lovely playing and singing but based on the production design and "direction", Achim Freyer shouldn't be allowed near another opera.

[backinblack222]

This was the first Opera I had ever seen and it was absolutely amazing! The lighting was amazing and the music was good.

[neklaus2]

This version of the "Ring" makes the Barenboim one look good. It makes the Cenntenial production look great and the Met Production look the best!

[Redteez]

The video does not do justice to the production.

It is zany, bold and thoroughly enjoyable. And the music is the star. Can't wait for Die Walkure next month.

[zenrarity]

It really was something else. This was perfect for my first Wagner opera viewing.

[HeySalle]

Saw the production (and have seen other Rings) Great voices, Consistently interesting, beautiful, experiential. About as far as you can get from park and bark, horns and fur. I recommend seeing it.

[SilentPozz]

It is actually pretty incredible as a work of art. This is an interpretation of a great story and shouldn't art make one question and wonder? This isn't you're average park and bark Butterfly or Traviata...think outside the box.

[donde2k]

Yeah, it made me question why I sacrificed my first Das Rheingold to this goofball puppet show, and wonder who the hell thought Achim Freyer was a good pick for LA's first Ring.

[LouiePT]

Very trashy!! I like it!!

[craigpross]

this actually MAKES me want to come from far away to see it... (To each his/her own!)

[sibeliussecond]

Good on you, LA Opera, for going for it, but honestly -- are you serious with this mess? I was thinking of coming to see it (from along way away), but this clip made it pretty easy to stay away. Yeesh.

[sharky123]

Dear God this looks just awful.