Is Wagner's Ring Cycle a good place to start my opera collection?

Question

While I'm not new to opera or classical music (but I'm still a "beginner" in many ways), I still haven't listened to or seen Wagner's magnum opus Der Ring des Nibelungen, nor am I familiar with its plot; however, since I've come into a little extra money (via my stimulus check) I was wondering if diving into the Ring Cycle was the best way to begin my opera and Wagner collection? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I'd have to say no. (Sorry Alberich). I just don't think this is the place to start opera. It is definitely the place to start your Wagner collection (its his magnum opus), but if you are just starting out on opera, I would start with something a littler easier to digest for fear of ruining your appetite. I would suggest Mozart and Rossini as the best places for a foray into opera. For example: Don Giovanni and Il Barbieri di Siviglia.

Perhaps a good way to start with Wagner is to get the overtures and preludes to his operas - you'll get a flavor of the music with a more modest investment.

Answer 2

Wagner is somewhat complex. He believed in the Blond Hair blue eyed super race and the Norse Gods like Thor etc. The Ring cycle was supposed to be sung straight through no stopping which is almost vocally impossible. Wagner had a tremendous influence on Puccini, Dvorak, Verdi some what. My Suggestion is to listen the beginning of La Boheme, pay special attention to the music before the Baritone sings and after, same with the tenor and Mimi's entrance etc. this is their theme, most of the time when they reappear during the entire opera this music will be played. This is from Wagner's influence. He had musical theme's for every character, tree, stream, dragon etc. Do I like Wagner personally? NO!!

Answer 3

That's a lot of opera for the buck ...



Wagner is great, but a lot of people enjoy Italian opera better because the language is more lyrical. German and Russian are fine as well, just not as popular.



My preference with opera is always to see it. A recording, no matter how well done, doesn't give you the set design, the drama, the expressions (angst, joy, cynicism, or what have you) played out in the scene. Unless you're listening in the car during your commute, I'd say opt for a DVD performance.

Answer 4

Wagner's a little harsh at first. You grow to love him but start with Pucchini and most of all opera is really a live event. You should try and see as many as possible. I have never once regretted going to an opera and for my young age I've been quite a few times. Mozart of course is Mozart and I just can't force myself into Verdi. My favorite opera composer however is Berg.

Answer 5

I usually reccommend that people start out with something lighter. Mozart is where I got started. But if wagner is your thing, go for it. It is a pretty heavy style, though, so if you are trying to convert someone to classical and opera, use the lighter style.

Answer 6

Wow, that's diving head first into opera. It's fantastic, but you might also want to try lighter operas. Mozart or a Puccini. We have a Wagner nut lurking around here who can give you a good performance to buy.



~Lisa

Answer 7

Yes! Especially if you are a fan of epic mythological works like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. I think it's much more accessible than people would have you believe and is definitely more rewarding than Mozart or (especially) Puccini or Rossini.



As for recordings, I would recommend the Met's DVD set on Deutsche Grammophone that are conducted by Levine.



If you do decide to start your journey elsewhere, I would recommend Berg's Wozzeck or perhaps Weber's Die Freischutz.

Answer 8

It is indeed a good place to start, but a word of warning. Every time I listen to Wagner I get this strong urge to invade Poland. Just make sure you don't eat bratwurst sausages whilst listening to the brilliant German composer Richard Wagner as that might send you over the top.

Answer 9

Yes! It's excellent and interesting from a philosophical perspective too.



Personally, I really love Handel's oratorios. There is a great one called Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno, on Opera Prohibita sung by Cecilia Bartoli .It gives me chills.

Answer 10

The Flying Dutchman

Answer 11

Some of the music is brilliant and some is beautiful. All of this is fine if you can stand the vocals. I don't think German is a singable language.

Start off with Verdi and Puccini, lovely music and listenable arias.

Answer 12

No not really. For beginner operetists I would suggest "La Boheme" for a start. Then work up to the heavy hitters.

Answer 13

sure, why not

but you must also listen to List, Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 and Chopin, Fantasisie-Impromptu

neither are Opra but both are orchestral and a must listen to

Answer 14

of cource