About the Opera

In a world of gods, dwarves, and giants, Das Rheingold (The Gold from the Rhine) sets the stage for Wagner’s epic masterwork, The Ring Cycle, a saga of godly battles, family drama, and the power to rule the world.

The story begins when the dwarf Alberich renounces love and steals the magical gold guarded by three Rhine nymphs. From this gold, he has a ring forged, which will give him dominion over the world. Wotan, the ruler of the gods, lusts after the ring and breaks his own laws to obtain it. Alberich puts a curse on the ring, which sets into motion the rest of the saga.

The story is brought to life through the interweaving of distinct musical catchphrases (known as leitmotifs) that represent each character. Experience this groundbreaking “total work of art” which fully integrates music, words, drama, costume, and set design in a sweeping, intense marathon of sight and sound that paved the way for modern-day fantasy tales like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. Nobody is safe until the gold is returned to the Rhine. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime production with Dayton Opera and the Dayton Philharmonic.

Program

Das Rheingold (2 hours)

Music and Libretto Richard Wagner
Performed in German with English supertitles

This performance does not include an intermission.

Artistic Team

Neal Gittleman, conductor

Kathleen Clawson, stage director and Artistic Director
Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

Take Note – Live at 6:30 in the Schuster!

Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson presents her Take Note Talk live from the stage in the Schuster Center, from 6:30-7 pm. Learn about the opera before the production begins!