London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Simon Rattle

Sir Simon Rattle conducts four powerful moments from the final chapter of Wagner's epic Ring cycle, alongside his Siegfried Idyll.

Wagner reserved his most magical and powerful music for the final part of the Ring cycle – a series of four epic operas.

In these four chapters from Götterdämmerung (meaning ‘Twilight of the Gods’), the character of Siegfried sets off to discover the ring’s origins; Waltraute pleads with Brünnhilde to return the ring to the Rhine; Siegfried is fatally stabbed by Hagen; and, in music of shattering intensity, Brünnhilde throws herself onto Siegfried’s funeral pyre.

The second half opens with Wagner’s touching chamber work dedicated to his wife Cosima, and premiered at their home on Christmas morning 1870 by a group of the composer’s close friends – his Siegfried Idyll.

Two renowned Wagnerians Anja Kampe and Elizabeth DeShong sing the roles of Brünnhilde and Waltraute with the LSO and its Conductor Emeritus, Sir Simon Rattle.

Please note that latecomers will only be admitted at the interval.

The concert will finish at approximately 9.15pm, including a 20-minute interval (timings subject to change).

Programme

Richard Wagner Excerpts from Götterdämmerung: Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey; Waltraute’s Plea to Brünnhilde
Richard Wagner Siegfried Idyll
Richard Wagner Excerpts from Götterdämmerung: Funeral Music; Immolation Scene

Performers

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Simon Rattle conductor
Anja Kampe Brünnhilde
Elizabeth DeShong Waltraute