- Let's hear it for Klaus Florian Vogt and Catherine Foster.
Applause for all - and especially for Klaus Florian Vogt and Catherine Foster: The Bayreuth Festival has presented part three of Wagner's epic "Der Ring des Nibelungen" in its revival. In the title role of "Siegfried", Klaus Florian Vogt was heard and seen in Bayreuth for the first time, and he did not disappoint his fans.
Especially the last 20 minutes of the third act became a true stage show by Vogt and Catherine Foster as Brünnhilde, with great emotions and much passion. (Richard Wagner may forgive this.)
The audience applauded the entire line-up of singers and conductor Simone Young, who navigated the score swiftly and consistently. This is Young's first "Ring" in Bayreuth, where she can now fully demonstrate her extensive Wagner conducting experience.
While the production by director Valentin Schwarz was met with loud boos in the previous two years, the mood for the 2024 "Siegfried" was significantly calmer. No negative comments were heard, which could also be due to the fact that the production team will only be seen after the final part four. The reckoning will come on Friday, during the revival of "Götterdämmerung".
The horse is a man
Or have Schwarz's ideas of telling the story along the lines of a series, inspired by streaming, now been better received than in the previous two years? Here, Brünnhilde's horse Grane is a man, and Fafner is a frail old man in a hospital bed.
Klaus Florian Vogt has been closely associated with the Bayreuth Festival for many years: he debuted in 2007 as Walther von Stolzing in "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg", but it was as Lohengrin in the now almost legendary production by Hans Neuenfels that he became the absolute audience favorite. And now, Siegfried. Vogt will also sing the role in the final "Ring des Nibelungen" on Friday.
The enchanting performance of Klaus Florian Vogt as Siegfried in the third act of "Der Ring des Nibelungen" was accompanied by a captivating music that resonated with the audience. His compelling acting skills and powerful vocals made the music come alive, creating an unforgettable experience.
Backed by his extensive experience in Wagner's operas, Conductor Simone Young skillfully guided the orchestra, seamlessly integrating the music within the dramatic narrative, ensuring a harmonious blend of music and drama throughout the performance.
