A First Timers Guide To Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen

Given the amount of Wagner that will be "out there" this year (in concert, on stage, on the radio and TV), there is every possibility that many people maybe seeing or hearing a full Wagner work for the first time. It is also, given its popularity, most likely that first encounter this year will be with the Ring.  Perhaps not necessarily the easiest place to start - if very worth while.  With that in mind, we have trawled the archives here, and elsewhere, to put together the following guide. We hope it proves of some use. It should be noted this is a "work in progress" and we shall add relevant items to it as they arise.


But before looking at the Ring, why not watch the following, which summarises Wagner's life, art and thought in 1 minute 53 seconds:

Right. Now back to the Ring

First, might we suggest the following highly relevant and entertaining audio documentary from 2004.

The Ring and I

You might then wish to turn to the entirety of Robert Greenberg's lecture and video guide to the Ring. Made freely available by the author and consisting of lecture 17 of his course "The Music of Richard Wagner"

Edit. It has been brought to our attention that this does not alas include the full section on the Ring,. We shall leave in place till we find a more complete alternative

You might also wish to read perhaps the first detailed analysis of the Ring: The Perfect Wagnerite: A Commentary on the Niblung's Ring by George Bernard Shaw. This can be read or downloaded here in a variety of eBook types.   Alternatively, you may download it here in MP3 and listen to it while "on the move

Next, might we direct the reader to David Littlejohn's detailed history of Ring productions "Whatever Became of the Breastplates? Which can be read by clicking here.

We will include a hastily stolen synopsis of each drama in eBook format shortly. Once we have finished producing it. :