Die Walküre

An Epic Serving of Fate

In Richard Wagner’s mesmerizing opera Die Walküre, the second installment of his epic tetralogy Der Ring des Nibelungen, a dramatic tale of gods, heroes, and destiny unfolds. Set in a mythical world of gods and mortals, the story follows the intertwined fates of the brave warrior Siegmund and his long-lost twin sister Sieglinde. As their forbidden love blooms amidst a raging storm, they discover their true identities and their shared heritage as the offspring of Wotan, the mighty ruler of the gods. However, their passionate bond sets off a chain of events that threatens the balance of power in the divine realm.

Amidst this turmoil, the Valkyries, fierce warrior maidens who gather fallen heroes to Valhalla, come into play. Led by the bold and valiant Brünnhilde, they descend upon the human world to fulfill their sacred duty. But when Brünnhilde defies her father Wotan’s command and aids Siegmund, she becomes entangled in a web of divine consequences and faces dire repercussions. Die Walküre is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice, filled with iconic soaring melodies, powerful vocal performances, and breathtaking orchestral passages that transport audiences to a world of myth and legend; where destiny unfolds in a grand feast of emotions and grandeur.

No, we cannot field a 120-piece orchestra, nor do we have anything like modern theatrical technology at our disposal to make mythological magic. Neither can one stroll during an hour-long interval to enjoy a plate of bratwurst and sauerkraut before plunging back into the cosmic drama—this time to see the god of gods given what feels like his comeuppance by an outraged spouse… I hope many of you still have happy memories of our production of Das Rheingold; it was very well received by seasoned Wagnerians, used to all of the above. In anticipation of Rheingold nine years ago, I wrote about our hopes for the production, partly in an effort to stave off premature (and obvious) criticism: “Certainly in the direction of Romantic opera of a certain scale, Der Ring des Nibelungen is the unchallenged ne plus ultra—an inscription found on the Pillars of Hercules and meant to stop ships from progressing further. The labour is indeed Herculean, and the ambition may smack of hubris, but we hope that our continuously unfolding saga of operatic adventure and exploration will find in this undertaking a climactic moment of collective achievement—a shared moment of glory.”

– Timothy Vernon, Founding Artistic Director

More of Die Walküre

The Ride of the Valkyries from Richard Wagner’s opera Die Walküre is considered iconic and one of the most recognized songs in classical music. The piece features a thrilling orchestral arrangement that captures the intensity and grandeur of a group of Valkyries, mythical warrior maidens, riding into battle. With its triumphant brass fanfares, sweeping strings, and energetic rhythm, the music evokes a sense of heroism and adventure that has resonated with audiences across generations, becoming synonymous with epic and awe-inspiring moments in film, television, and popular culture. Even if you haven’t seen Die Walküre you’ve likely heard it. Check out our Youtube playlist below to see everything from Bugs Bunny to the Vietnam War.

Inside Opera: Die Walküre

On September 8th, Robert Holliston held a community talk at The Baumann Center diving into the world of Die Walküre, immersing our community in the iconic melodies and delved into the rich tapestry of this legendary production. Watch it below! To take part of Inside Opera this season, please click here.