DIE WALKÜRE – ACT I

Richard Wagner

A musical event of overwhelming intensity

Experience Wagner’s passionate yet intimate first act of the opera, performed by an exquisite cast with outstanding piano accompaniment in a unique setting: the crypt of St. Peter’s Church.

The first act of Wagner’s Die Walküre is one of the most impressive scenes in musical theatre — compact, suspenseful, and rich in musical expressiveness. The distinctive acoustics of the vaulted crypt make Wagner’s musical language sound clearer and more immediate, while the close proximity between the audience and performers creates an intense and extraordinary operatic experience.

Siegmund’s arrival, his growing bond with Sieglinde, and the momentous discovery of the sword come together in a musical arc of great dramatic tension.

The combination of a historic venue, carefully crafted musical interpretation, and the concentrated form of the first act creates an operatic evening that appeals to both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers. An unforgettable experience — intimate, intense, and captivating.

The crypt maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Synopsis:

During a storm, Siegmund, wounded and exhausted, seeks refuge in the woodland dwelling of Hunding, a warrior. When Sieglinde, Hunding’s wife, discovers the stranger, she immediately feels deep compassion for him and a mysterious connection.

Siegmund explains that he is fleeing from his enemies. Hunding returns home and offers him shelter for the night. However, when he realizes that Siegmund is the very man he has been pursuing, he announces that they will fight the following morning.

While Hunding sleeps, Siegmund and Sieglinde grow closer. Sieglinde shows him a sword embedded in the trunk of the ash tree growing in the middle of the house. No man has ever been able to pull it out. She explains that a mysterious, one-eyed stranger (Wotan) once drove the sword into the tree for the person who would one day be able to draw it.

Siegmund realizes that the sword is destined for him. The mutual affection between him and Sieglinde deepens until they confess their love for each other. Sieglinde reveals that she lives an unhappy and unfree life in Hunding’s household.

In a passionate climax, Siegmund pulls the sword from the tree and names it Nothung. Sieglinde reveals that they are twins and children of Wotan. Despite the taboo against incest, the two celebrate their love and flee together into the night.