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Die Walkure: Glorious Singing Amidst Costumes & Logs Mess

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Die Walkure (Royal Opera House)

Verdict: Well cast, well sung, well played

On its second night, the latest production of ROH’s Ring Cycle features an outstanding ensemble cast that I find hard to surpass in Die Walküre. The harmonious tones resonating from the stage are rivaled only by the magnificent symphony orchestrated from the orchestra pit.

Since the scenery, costumes, and overall production seem poor, it’s worth noting that Wotan, who is portrayed as a god-king, bears an uncanny resemblance to J.D. Vance in his business attire – think ‘Make Valhalla Great Again’ campaign. Let’s focus on the musical aspects for a bit instead.

In Act 1, the characters Siegmund and Sieglinde – who are involved in an incestuous relationship – are brought to life by the fresh tones of French tenor Stanislas de Barbeyrac and Welsh-Ukrainian soprano Natalya Romaniw. American bass Soloman Howard lends his deep voice to make Sieglinde’s husband Hunding a particularly unpleasant character.

In the role of Brunnhilde, the titled Valkyrie, Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid is relatively short compared to Russian mezzo Marina Prudenskaya’s towering Fricka (who you might remember from Rheingold in 2023). However, Elisabet compensates for her stature with a powerful and intense vocal performance.

In this adaptation, J.D. … or rather, Wotan, is given a powerful and impressive vocal delivery by Christopher Maltman. He appears to be perfectly suited to portray political figures – an uncanny resemblance to Iain Duncan Smith was evident in his role as Rheingold. I find it fitting that he dons a wig. Perhaps the role of “The Orange One” is being saved for Gotterdammerung.

As a devoted admirer, witnessing the mighty force that Sir Antonio Pappano and his orchestra unleash during performances like the Ride of the Valkyries is simply awe-inspiring. However, it’s unfortunate that Barrie Kosky’s production leaves me feeling underwhelmed visually.

Once more, the scene was visited by a symbolic, emaciated, elderly woman – representing the goddess Erda. It brought me joy to know she was experiencing a balmy evening.

Another large, identical-looking log has appeared; I can’t confirm whether it’s the same one from Rheingold for me, as logs all start looking alike.

The Magic Fire in Act 3 flickers in a dead tree.

Designer Rufus Didwiszus constructs Hunding’s hovel with an underwhelming wall, wherefrom Siegmund wrenches out the sword Nothung. However, I got nothing of consequence from this deal.

At certain moments, smoke wafts across the stage, and the Valkyries dig up withered human skeletons from some hidden location.

Sometimes, smoke fills the air on stage, and the Valkyries uncover desiccated human bones from a secret place.

You’re curious about the costumes. Sieglinde appears like a typical housewife from Melbourne. Siegmund takes off a large hoodie to uncover… a smaller hoodie underneath. It seems Hunding is employed as a security guard. Fricka arrives in a Rolls-Royce, giving an impression similar to Dame Edna, but she possesses a better singing voice.

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2025-05-09 03:55

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