Composer

:

Richard Wagner

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1854 - 1856

Average_duration

:

207:10

Movement_count

:

49

Movement ....

Die Walküre is the second of the four operas that make up Richard Wagner's epic cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen. The opera was composed between 1856 and 1870 and premiered on June 26, 1870, at the Königliches Hof- und Nationaltheater in Munich, Germany. The plot of Die Walküre revolves around the story of the god Wotan and his family. Wotan has fathered a number of children, including the twins Siegmund and Sieglinde, who are separated at birth. Siegmund, who has been living as an outlaw, seeks refuge in Sieglinde's home, where they fall in love. However, their love is forbidden, as they are siblings. Wotan's wife, Fricka, demands that he punish the incestuous couple, and Wotan is forced to order Siegmund's death. Sieglinde is left alone and pregnant, but is rescued by the Valkyrie Brünnhilde, who defies Wotan's orders and helps Sieglinde escape. Wotan is furious and punishes Brünnhilde by stripping her of her immortality and leaving her to be captured by the evil god Alberich. The music of Die Walküre is characterized by Wagner's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes, which are associated with specific characters, objects, or ideas. The most famous of these is the "Ride of the Valkyries," which is played during the opera's third act and has become one of the most recognizable pieces of classical music in the world. Die Walküre is divided into three acts, each of which is further divided into scenes. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict between Siegmund and Sieglinde and Wotan and Fricka. The second act features the famous "Ride of the Valkyries" and the confrontation between Wotan and Brünnhilde. The third act sees the resolution of the story, as Sieglinde gives birth to Siegfried, who will go on to become the hero of the next opera in the cycle, Siegfried. Overall, Die Walküre is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle for power. Its music is some of the most iconic in the classical repertoire, and its story continues to captivate audiences around the world.

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