by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Written by renowned German composer, Richard Wagner in the mid 1800s, “Die Walkure” is the second of the four part epic music dramas that constitute Richard Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen” (which also includes “Das Rheingold,” “Siegfried” and “Götterdämmerung,” totaling an inconceivable 15 hours of music. )
Under the visionary leadership of general and artistic director Tomer Zvulun, the Atlanta Opera executed the seemingly insurmountable feat of bringing to life this fantastical, larger than life, four-hour operatic masterpiece, seamlessly blending all the visceral and musical elements of this story that transcends the confines of reality.
The story begins with Siegmund, who stumbles upon the abode of a husband and wife, while seeking shelter from a most tumultuous storm. The shelter, as it would turn out, belongs to Sieglinde, a fair and kind maiden who later divulges to the unexpected house guest that she has been forced into an unhappy marriage with her domineering brute of a husband named Hunding. Upon sedating her begrudged spouse with a heavy sleeping potion, Sieglinde approaches Siegmund during the night to inform him that she longs to be saved by the hero who can successfully draw the sword that was thrust into a tree at her wedding feast.
Entranced by her graces, he swiftly pulls the sword from the tree, after which the two discover they are, in fact, fraternal twins. This detail, however, does not stop their non familial love which they profess to, and later consummate with, one another.
Next, we meet Wotan (god of battle, and of contracts, ruler of the gods) and his wife (the goddess of marriage ) Fricka, as the two engage in a heated argument in regards to the incestuous nature of the fraternal twins’ newly cemented romance.
Fricka, who feels shamed and disgraced by the twins’ relationship, demands an intervention by Wotan, who rebuts that the binding power of true love exceeds the perimeters of law and taboo. Determined for her will to be done, and incensed by her husband’s incessant infidelity, Fricka ultimately convinces her husband to punish the twins for their adultery and incest.
The fierce and powerful Brunnhilde, one of Wotan’s Valkyrie daughters with the earth goddess Erda, is summoned to appear to Siegmund and subsequently appears to her half-brother informing him that he will soon die and that he must at once follow her to Valhalla: without the company of Sieglinde. He refuses to follow without his true love, and following a failed negotiation, the immortal woman agrees to spare his life.
Upon discovering that his commands were defied by his beloved daughter, Wotan erupts into a fit of rage, causing his son to die in battle as a result of a broken sword, killing his daughter’s vengeful husband Hunding in the process. The honorable Brunnhilde, now finds her life,and her other worldly gifts, in grave danger as she flees to her Valkyrie sisters: hopeful of protection and respite.
Rife with love, rage, envy, war, and passion, Atlanta Opera’s “Die Walkure” brings this age old story to life with immaculate production aesthetic and decadent storytelling.
Mattie Ullrich ( the costume designer, acclaimed for her work worldwide at Opera Montreal, Norwegian Opera, Palau Des Artes, and many more impressive credits) creates a visceral and striking display with her unexpected blends of ombré tones and futuristic designs fused with antiquated fashions, and conductor Arthur Fagan led his massively talented orchestra with great aplomb.
A few of the myriad of stellar cast performances, include Greer Grimsley, reprising his critically applauded role as Wotan; Christine Goerke, who portrays Brunnhilde with a commanding stage presence and powerful soprano vocality; soprano Laura Wilde, whose refined, yet larger than life voice shines as the lovestruck Sieglinde; tenor Viktor Antipenko, who gives ethos and a richness of character to his portrayal of Siegmund; bass Raymond Aceto as Hunding; Atlanta Opera favorite Gretchen Krupp as Fricka ; and the striking ensemble of supremely talented vocalists comprising the illustrious Valkyrie sisters (Julie Adams, Yelena Dyachek, Maya Lahyani, Catherine Martin, Deborah Nansteel, Aubrey Odle, Meridian Prall, Alexandra Razskazoff), and Myric Andreasen, Julianna Feracota and Crystal Yau, as the featured warriors /martial artists.
Special thanks to Greg and the entire Atlanta Opera Team for having us back to highlight this incredible performance, and be sure to follow the Atlanta Opera on all major social media platforms for exclusive inside scoop and details on an exhilarating roster of upcoming productions.
WEBSITE: atlantaopera.org
PHONE NUMBER: (404) 881-8885
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