Documentary Wagner's Dream shines (some) light on the Lepage Ring
by Paul J. Pelkonen
There are many memorable moments in Wagner's Dream, the new documentary by Susan Frömke, delving into the inner workings of the Metropolitan Opera's multi-million-dollar mounting of Wagner's Ring Cycle. However, nothing is more telling than what happens after Deborah Voigt fell off the set.
The soprano, who was making her debut in the key role of Brunnhilde took her tumble in the opening moments of Act II of the premiere of Die Walküre. The movie shows the build-up to the accident, and the fall itself. The cameras track Ms. Voigt afterwards, recording her embarrassment at tripping over her long Valkyrie skirt, and her determination to have that precarious entrance altered in the following performances.
The next day, her decision was abruptly overruled by Met general manager Peter Gelb.
by Paul J. Pelkonen
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| Wagner's Dream offers an inside look at the Met's new Ring Cycle. Image from Wagner's Dream © 2012 The Metropolitan Opera. |
The soprano, who was making her debut in the key role of Brunnhilde took her tumble in the opening moments of Act II of the premiere of Die Walküre. The movie shows the build-up to the accident, and the fall itself. The cameras track Ms. Voigt afterwards, recording her embarrassment at tripping over her long Valkyrie skirt, and her determination to have that precarious entrance altered in the following performances.
The next day, her decision was abruptly overruled by Met general manager Peter Gelb.
