In the depths of the Rhine, the three Rhinemaidens guard the Rhinegold, a treasure of immeasurable value. The Nibelung dwarf Alberich is dazzled by the sight of it. The girls explain that whoever wins the gold and forges it into a ring will gain power over the world, but must first renounce love. Frustrated by his unsuccessful attempts to catch one of the girls, Alberich curses love and steals the gold. Wotan, lord of the gods, is reproached by his wife Fricka: he has promised to give Freia, goddess of youth, to the giants Fasolt and Fafner in return for their building a fortress for the gods. When the giants demand their reward, Loge, the god of fire, suggests an alternative payment: the ring Alberich has forged from the Rhinegold, and his other treasures. The giants agree, and Wotan and Loge leave for the Nibelungs’ underground home.

Disciplined Italian composer Antonio Salieri becomes consumed by jealousy and resentment towards the...

Originally commissioned to celebrate the completion of the Suez Canal and the opening of Cairos new ...

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“Let us assume that Switzerland is truly a paradise. The music hereto was written long ago. We have ...

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Leonora plans to elope with Don Alvaro, but he accidentally shoots and kills her father, who curses ...

Ten short pieces directed by ten different directors, including Ken Russell, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert...

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