Wagner's Ring Cycle Question

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

I'm planning to see Die Walkure here in a few months, and since it is the second part of Wagner's Ring Cycle, I was wondering: Will I be lost if I don't see the first part before the second?

[Emil Miller]

The Ring cycle is based on various Norse and Germanic legends and is, perhaps, the greatest individual artistic achievement in German history.
I think it would be as well for someone to know something about the cycle before going to see any of the operas. The link below will tell you what they are about and is written in non-intellectualised language to allow people to understand the way in which the operas relate to each other

http://www.well.com/user/woodman/singthing/ring/story.html

[Lokasenna]

For a rather lighthearted introduction to the Ring, have a watch of Anna Russell's legendary lecture on it. She gives the plot away, but that shouldn't deter you - it's very funny:

Part 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv7G92F2sqs)

Part 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WduYrwAGews&feature=related)

Part 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypisVrbqDqE&feature=related)

[Emil Miller]

This the finale of Götterdämmerung in the first studio recording of the Ring cycle made by Decca in 1958. It caused a sensation at the time and is still regarded by many as the best available version in the repertoire.
They really don't come greater than this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op1jrrlENCI

[Emil Miller]

A number of other posts re Wagner will be posted in the light of the original poster's newfound interest in Wagner.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

The Ring cycle is based on various Norse and Germanic legends and is, perhaps, the greatest individual artistic achievement in German history.
I think it would be as well for someone to know something about the cycle before going to see any of the operas. The link below will tell you what they are about and is written in non-intellectualised language to allow people to understand the way in which the operas relate to each other

http://www.well.com/user/woodman/singthing/ring/story.html

Okay, but if I don't know anything about it, will I be lost not seeing the first part? For example, some movie sequels stand on their own just fine. Terminator 2: Judgement Day, for example can be enjoyed without any knowledge of the first movie. Something like Back to the Future 2 or The Matrix: Reloaded, though, will have you relatively lost. Is Wagner's Ring Cycle like one of those, or somewhere in the middle?

I ask because I'm going with my father. I have absolutely no problem taking ten or fifteen minutes to understand the first part, whether I need to or not, and will do so. My dad, on the other hand, probably won't unless he needs to.

[stlukesguild]

Each opera in the Ring stands on its own. Of course you gain through a familiarity with the whole. Using your film analogy, I would say that you can appreciate Die Walkure just as easily as you can appreciate Star Wars without the later filmed parts 1-3 (not that Das Rheingold is in any way to be compared with the dismal quality of Star Wars 1-3):frown2:

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

ach opera in the Ring stands on its own. Of course you gain through a familiarity with the whole. Using your film analogy, I would say that you can appreciate Die Walkure just as easily as you can appreciate Star Wars without the later filmed parts 1-3 (not that Das Rheingold is in any way to be compared with the dismal quality of Star Wars 1-3):frown2:

I should certainly hope not! :lol: I'd even say Star Wars 4-6 can be better appreciated without 1-3. Though, I still find Episode 3 redeemingly enjoyable :nod:. But, I digress. . . .

[Emil Miller]

Okay, but if I don't know anything about it, will I be lost not seeing the first part? For example, some movie sequels stand on their own just fine. Terminator 2: Judgement Day, for example can be enjoyed without any knowledge of the first movie. Something like Back to the Future 2 or The Matrix: Reloaded, though, will have you relatively lost. Is Wagner's Ring Cycle like one of those, or somewhere in the middle?

I ask because I'm going with my father. I have absolutely no problem taking ten or fifteen minutes to understand the first part, whether I need to or not, and will do so. My dad, on the other hand, probably won't unless he needs to.

If you click on the link in the post I posted at 10.47pm, you will find the story of each opera explained, which will give you an overview of the cycle.