The Valkyrie - Richard Wagner

THE VALKYRIE - Act I
Richard Wagner
Sieglinde - Maria Kahry, Soprano
Siegmund - Sergio Tallo-Torres, Tenor
Hunding - Florian Pejrimovsy, Bass-baritone

A musical event of overwhelming intensity
Experience Wagner's passionate yet intimate opera act in exquisite casting with high-caliber piano accompaniment in a unique location, the crypt of St. Peter's Church. The first act of Wagner's "The Valkyrie" is among the most impressive scenes in music theater - compact, suspenseful, and rich in musical expressiveness. The special acoustics of the vault make Wagner's sound language appear transparent and immediate, while the closeness between the audience and the artists ensures an intense, extraordinary opera experience.

Siegmund's arrival, the growing connection to Sieglinde, and the significant discovery of the sword condense into a musical arc of great tension. The combination of historical space, careful musical interpretation, and the concentrated form of Act I creates an opera evening that appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. An unforgettable experience - immediate, intense, and captivating. The crypt is pleasantly temperate at any time of year.

Plot:
During a storm, Siegmund, injured and exhausted, seeks refuge in Hunding's forest hut, a warrior of the people. When Sieglinde, Hunding's wife, finds the stranger, she immediately feels deep compassion and a mysterious connection with him. Siegmund reports that he is fleeing from enemies. Hunding returns home and offers him shelter for the night. However, when he realizes that Siegmund is the one he is pursuing, he announces that they will fight the next morning.

While Hunding sleeps, Siegmund and Sieglinde grow closer. Sieglinde shows him a sword that is stuck in the trunk of the ash tree growing in the middle of the hut. No man has ever been able to pull it out. She tells him that a mysterious, one-eyed stranger (Wotan) once thrust the sword there for the one who could eventually pull it out. Siegmund realizes that this sword is meant for him. The mutual affection between him and Sieglinde grows until they confess their love for each other. Sieglinde reveals that she lives unhappily and unfree in Hunding's house.

In a passionate climax, Siegmund pulls the sword from the trunk and names it Nothung. Sieglinde recognizes that they are twins and the children of Wotan. Despite the incest taboo, the two celebrate their love and flee together into the night.