The staging of Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen is one of the most significant events for both opera companies and opera fans alike. Ever since it was first premiered in 1876, audiences attending all four performances do so with almost a religious fervor. It could be argued that the monumental Ring cycle -- Das Rheingold (1853-54), Die Walküre (1854-56), Siegfried (1856-71) and Götterdämmerung (1869-74) -- changed the face of music and remains an ambitious and influential contribution to opera.
Synopses to all four operas are kindly provided by the Canadian Opera Company.
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