Die Walküre

The gorgeous and evocative Otto Schenk/Günther Schneider-Siemssen production continues with this second opera in Wagner’s Ring cycle. Hildegard Behrens brings deep empathy to Brünnhilde, the favorite daughter of the god Wotan (James Morris) who nevertheless defies him. Morris’s portrayal of Wotan is deservedly legendary, as is Christa Ludwig, as Fricka. Jessye Norman and Gary Lakes are Sieglinde and Siegmund, and Kurt Moll is the threatening Hunding. James Levine and the Met orchestra provide astonishing color and drama. (Performed April 8, 1989)

Cast

Hildegard Behrens

Brünnhilde

James Morris

Wotan

Jessye Norman

Sieglinde

Christa Ludwig

Fricka

Gary Lakes

Siegmund

Kurt Moll

Hunding

Katarina Ikonomu

Helmwige

Martha Thigpen

Ortlinde

Pyramid Sellers

Gerhilde

Joyce Castle

Waltraute

Diane Kesling

Siegrune

Jacalyn Bower

Rossweisse