Wagner: Das Rheingold

As early as 1851, Wagner wrote, 'I propose to produce my myth in three complete dramas, preceded by a lengthy Prelude.' The Prelude was "Das Rheingold" ('The Rhine Gold') the preliminary evening of Wagner's epic tetralogy "Der Ring des Nibelungen" ('The Ring of the Nibelung'), which received its first complete performance in 1876. The unfolding events of...