A night at the opera: Wagner's golden saga

"Since its inception, the national center has produced over 70 operas, including several Wagner works. Now, we are ready to tackle the artistic summit of the Ring cycle. As a national performing arts platform, it is our responsibility to fulfill this mission and offer Chinese audiences a comprehensive understanding of this cycle of Wagner's work. Over the next three years, we plan to present the entire cycle to audiences."

"The Rhine Gold boasts the most exhilarating opening in the history of music drama," conductor Lyu says. "It mirrors the overall structure of the Ring cycle in many ways and can be seen as a precursor to the entire cycle."

Lyu says that the cycle is of immense significance to him, to the orchestra, and the national center. "The vocal, orchestral, harmonic and textural elements in this work differ greatly from Wagner's earlier compositions. Through these elements, Wagner conveys his reflections on human nature and philosophical ideas," he adds. "I hope the audience will experience the enduring spirit of this musical and philosophical giant through his music."

The story of The Rhine Gold opens on the Rhinemaidens (daughters of father Rhine) guarding gold at the bottom of the Rhine River. Alberich (Nibelung dwarf) appears and notices the gold, and learns that the gold will bring incredible power to whoever forges it into a ring, but on the condition that he must renounce love completely. Alberich begins lusting after the Rhinemaidens, who in turn mock him for his ugliness. In a fit of rage, Alberich renounces love and steals the gold from the Rhine. He forges the Ring of Power and declares himself lord of the Nibelungs.