© In höchsten Tönen! Opera in the Crypt: The Valkyrie — Act I Richard Wagner
Vienna, Peterskirche — Krypta
About the Event
A musical event of overwhelming intensity
Experience Wagner's passionate yet intimate opera act with an exquisite cast and top‐class piano accompaniment in a unique location, the crypt of St. Peter's Church.
The first act of Wagner's “Die Walküre” is one of the most impressive scenes in musical theater — compact, suspenseful, and rich in musical expressiveness. The special acoustics of the vaulted ceiling make Wagner's musical language appear transparent and more immediate, while the proximity between the audience and the performers ensures an intense, extraordinary opera experience.
Siegmund's arrival, his growing connection to Sieglinde, and the significant discovery of the sword come together to form a musical arc of great tension.
The combination of the historic space, careful musical interpretation, and the concentrated form of the first act creates an evening of opera that appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. An unforgettable experience—immediate, intense, and captivating.
The crypt is pleasantly temperate in all seasons.
Synopsis:
During a storm, Siegmund, wounded and exhausted, seeks refuge in the forest hut of Hunding, a warrior of the people. When Sieglinde, Hunding's wife, finds the stranger, she immediately feels deep compassion and a mysterious connection to him.
Siegmund tells her that he is fleeing from enemies. Hunding returns home and offers him shelter for the night. But 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 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 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 unfreely in Hunding's house.
In a passionate climax, Siegmund pulls the sword from the trunk and names it Nothung. Sieglinde realizes that they are twins and the children of Wotan. Despite the incest taboo, the two celebrate their love and flee together into the night.
Practical Information
The 'Opera in the Crypt' series is a unique form of presenting opera at its very essence. With piano accompaniment, talented singers in costumes perform the works in the exceptional, intimate atmosphere of the crypt under St. Peter's Church. Through the short distance between audience and musicians you can experience opera in a way you have never heard or seen it before.
Program
- Richard Wagner – Act 1 Die Walküre
Cast / Production
Sieglinde — Magdalena Kahry, soprano
Siegmund — Sergio Tallo‐Torres, tenor
Hunding — Florian Pejrimovsy, bass‐baritone
Peterskirche
The Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church) is the second-oldest church in Vienna, founded around 800AD, if legend is to be believed. The present church was built in 1732 in the Baroque style, with Vienna's first baroque dome. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the interior is adorned with frescoes, sculptures, golden altarpieces and carved wood. Peterskirche is one of Vienna's busiest classical music venues, featuring a diverse program that includes daily organ concerts, operas, choral concerts and performances by prominent local and international artists. In addition to performances in the elegant main sanctuary, the Peterskirche also hosts concerts in the fascinating and intimate crypt below ground level.
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.
Address
Peterskirche, Petersplatz, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
