Video: 'Das Rheingold' at the Met - nytimes.com/video

The director Robert Lepage narrates a look at his high-tech production at the Metropolitan Opera.

Related Article: http://nyti.ms/9x5Bxq

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• Met
• Robert Lepage

[potatothorn]

this and other NYT articles inspired me to make Das Rheingold the first opera I listen to on purpose (had heard many by way of my father over the years, opera is ok but not my thing) Had to hear what all the commotion is about with this one. I get it. Spectacular.

[dchiapello]

Musically and vocally brilliant performance. The Machine: a few stunning visual effects - especiallly the stairway to Nibelheim, with Wotan and Loge in "slow motion." But a lot seemed very contrived. I felt bad for Richard Croft having to step backwards up a steep incline so often; he was uncomfortable doing it and who can blame him? And putting Freia in a hammock -- WTF??!!

[stedmantx]

The best Ride of the Valkyries I've yet seen remains Chicago Lyric's production, where separate "riding" Valkyries enter on *trampolines*! The effect was mesmerizing, and to me the best staged realization of the famous ride.

[stedmantx]

I must say that after Rheingold I was a little concerned that the machine would get a little boring over four long evenings. But it was used well in both Walkure and Siegfried. In fact, I think Siegfried fighting through the fire to Brunnhilde in Act 3 was absolutely brilliant. Not quite sure why the fire continued after he'd awakened her. Also, the Fafner dragon remains ridiculous, perhaps the greatest visual challenge for a Ring cycle.

[gudrunann96]

Two ton revolving popsickle sticks - are you having laugh? And have you actually seen the whole of the Ring with this incredible design? Die Walkure was completely stunning... and deeply moving due, in part, to these popsickle sticks...

[sperryism]

Two ton revolving popsickle sticks..... Please. Why can't these supposedly creative types create something of their own to muck up, rather than mucking up a genius like Wagner?

[brieandchardonnay]

I saw the first two operas and loved them! I think this set works brilliantly. It is spectacular when it needs to be, yet not distracting from the singers when they are singing. The acoustic bounce off the stage is great too. I loved it. Congrats to the Met for a wonderful production. Lepage and his design team are brilliant.

[PhantomDrums917]

@jgesselberty Perhaps something about "worth her weight in gold"?? I see your point but still wondering if it's written in the story or not.

[jgesselberty]

@PhantomDrums917 But, the new productions are supposed to make the opera more accessible. Yeah, Right. Only the stage designer knows and he may not have ever heard the opera until engaged to produce it.

[jgesselberty]

@schneecindy Have to agree. What we seem to be saying is that the music cannot carry the day on it's own. The production, often not as concieved by the composer, has to be the hook to get people in the seats. How sad.

[PhantomDrums917]

@angryjalapeno Me too. I hear wonderful things about Deborah Voigt and I'm hoping to check it out next season. :)

[PhantomDrums917]

@dchiapello I have to admit, I don't understand that part of the story either, putting Freia in the hammock. Can someone out there give me some insight?