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The Ring: Siegfried

by Heather Leviston 3rd December, 2016
by Heather Leviston 3rd December, 2016

Pietari Inkinen and the Melbourne Ring Orchestra created an unearthly atmosphere of mythic dominions as muted dark woodwinds, a wonderfully yawning tuba and ominous Wagner tubas/horns introduced the “Second day” of Wagner’s music drama. Progressing from the weighty evocation of the dragon Fafner in his cave the music gathered momentum to depict the labours of the dwarves and Mime’s forge with its metallic hammerings.

Neil Armfield’s direction and Robert Cousins’ set juxtaposed incongruous elements in this opening scene. An ordinary modern kitchen and bedroom were framed by a huge structure referencing the double proscenium arch of Bayreuth’s Festspielhaus. In keeping with the domestic context, Graeme Macfarlane’s Mime was more cranky fusspot than evil dwarf, so much so that we tended to feel a bit sorry for him when Siegfried’s petulant taunts and brattish behaviour made life harder for him. The amusing business where he sniffed the milk and ran around with brush and shovel added to the feeling that he was essentially harmless. Even when he concocted the fatal brew, pouring RATSACK into the thermos, his glee was more comical than alarming. Nevertheless, Macfarlane’s voice had a suitably biting edge that not only projected well, but also made his ill intent quite clear. He was a sharp portrait of frustrated ambition as he tried to forge the sword and get the better of the Wanderer.

With long, grey unkempt hair but still wearing his fur coat (a favourite item of clothing for Wagner himself), James Johnson’s Wanderer was an older, more world-weary version of the Wotan of the first two Ring operas. His confrontation with Mime was relaxed but full of assured authority. His even, unforced vocal production was eminently suited to all episodes of the narrative. There was amusement at Mime’s pitiful arrogance and easy confidence when facing the hatred of a much more wary Alberich. His cries of “Wache, Wale!” rang powerfully as he summoned the “eternal woman… primevally wise” Erda from her sleep but there was also tenderness in the exchange as certain realities were made clear. Liane Keegan’s charismatic tone and her portrayal of a wisdom that knows its limits were, one again, compelling. The final confrontation with Siegfried, where the Wanderer/Wotan cedes power to a new, self-reliant order was a persuasive mixture of acceptance and determined test of his brash grandson’s resolve.

In all these battles of wills, Johnson had worthy opponents. Although Stefan Vinke no longer wore the “Where’s Wally?” type jersey of the 2013 production, he was still a picture of ignorant, immature, youth. His frustration and anger were the overwhelming force of Act I as he turned on Mime with disgust and competed with the din of his own hammering, forging his sword with gusto while singing above the clangour with impressive Heldentenor power. Vinke sang with much more gentle lyricism in Act 2 as Siegfried communed with nature, free of his bondage to Mime, and endeared himself to the audience at last.

As the Woodbird Julie Lea Goodwin was a shimmer of balletic flight and a dainty complement to Vinke’s naïve, nature-loving Siegfried. Her bright, attractive tone with its fluttering top notes was well suited to the role. Vinke was all fearless defiance as he challenged the Wanderer, killed Mime and entered Fafner’s cave to fulfill Alberich’s curse.

The slaying of the dragon was in keeping with the theatrical element of this production with streamers of “blood” shooting from the mouth of the cave and a naked Judd Arthur stumbling out clothed only in gore. A theatrical context had been established during the orchestral Prelude to Act II, again featuring the tuba growl, as Judd Arthur slowly transformed himself beneath the proscenium arch. As if in a theatre dressing room he sat naked before a mirror while a giant projection of his face provided a magnified view. Jud Arthur’s powerful, resonant bass, whether amplified or not, was once again very impressive.

When Siegfried parted the glittering curtain of fire to find Brünnhilde we were confronted with another of Armfield’s visual leitmotifs. Instead of the platform surrounded by the ring of fire Brünnhilde had been placed in a crate, just like the animals that had appeared in Wotan’s Valhalla of Das Rheingold. The collection of animals for museums was in full swing in Wagner’s day and Armfield and Cousins have referenced New York’s Guggenheim museum in Valhalla’s long spiral ramp and its chandelier of stuffed animals suspended in the middle.

Along with the animals, it would seem that Wotan has also sought to preserve Brünnhilde until a hero braves the flames and rescues her. In the end we know that she is destined to die along with her hero – a species as doomed as her saviour and the gods themselves. Anybody reading the surtitles had to suspend disbelief as Siegfried removed the plastic wrapping and awakened the woman he had been seeking – a woman who bore a striking resemblance to a young Catherine Deneuve. “Das ist kein Mann!” (That is no man!) usually provokes an audience chuckle and it was inevitable that it would here.

Lise Lindstrom’s portrayal of Brünnhilde’s gradual awakening was beautifully paced. The final extended duet as Brünnhilde embraced her destiny and Siegfried claimed his bride was a rapturous climax to the opera with both Lindstrom and Vinke riding the waves of passion in soaring form. The demands of this duet following the amount of singing allotted to Siegfried in this opera was a reminder of how difficult it is to find a Heldentenor who can manage the role as splendidly as Stefan Vinke.

Singers, conductor and orchestra were all given another tremendously enthusiastic reception by an appreciative audience.

Heather Leviston reviewed the opening night of Opera Australia’s production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen: Siegfried at the Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre on November 25, 2016.

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Heather Leviston

Heather Leviston has devoted much of her life to listening to classical music and attending concerts. An addiction to vocal and string music has led her to undertake extensive training in singing and perform as a member of the Victoria State Opera chorus and as a soloist with various musical organisations.

As a founding academic teacher of the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, she has had the privilege of witnessing the progress of many talented students, keenly following their careers by attending their performances both in Australia and overseas.

As a reviewer, initially for artsHub, and also for Sounds like Sydney, she has been keen to bring attention to the fine music-making that is on offer in Australia, especially in the form of live performance. Heather is a valued member of Classical Melbourne’s editorial team, with her reviews of opera and vocal music valued by performers and audiences alike.

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The Ring: Götterdämmerung

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Songmakers Australia: Schwanengesang

August 1 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Songmakers Australia: Schwanengesang

Program Franz Schubert Schwanengesang D 957 Songmakers Australia Schubert’s last song cycle was published after his untimely death at the age of…

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6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Seraphim Trio – Gallic Charm

August 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Seraphim Trio – Gallic Charm

A performance of cherished works and Gallic beauty. About the artists Seraphim Trio is as much a lifelong friendship as a…

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11:30 am - 12:40 pm

Mostly Mozart – Musical Mavericks

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Mostly Mozart – Musical Mavericks

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7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Ray Chen

August 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Ray Chen

World-renowned violinist Ray Chen makes his long-awaited return to Australia with some of the most demanding, impressive, and emotionally riveting works…

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2 events, 7

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Flinders Quartet Concert 2

August 7 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

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Join Flinders Quartet for the sumptuous romanticism and grandeur of Brahms, and the ingenuity and wit of Haydn. Thibaud Pavlovic-Hobba -…

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Corpus Medicorum Concert #3

August 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #3

Corpus Medicorum Rebirth 2022 Concert Series. Artists Charlotte Miles cellist Keith Crellin OAM conductor Program Edward Elgar Cello Concerto, Op.85 Antonín Dvořák Symphony No.7…

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1 event, 8

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Stewart Kelly – Schubert’s Swansong

August 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Stewart Kelly – Schubert’s Swansong

A journey to the corners of human experience with Schubert’s Schwanengesang. About the artists Stewart Kelly is one of Australia’s most sought-after…

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1 event, 11

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Melbourne Guitar Quartet – Flow My Tears

August 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Melbourne Guitar Quartet – Flow My Tears

Innovative arrangements, technical flair and superb playing. About the artists Melbourne Guitar Quartet have carved out a reputation for curating utterly…

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Stravinsky’s Ballets

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Stravinsky’s Ballets

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Stravinsky’s Ballets

August 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Recurring

Stravinsky’s Ballets

Wicked magicians, unrequited love, and human sacrifice for a bountiful spring – these ballets have it all! The MSO travels through…

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4 events, 14

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The Lieder Society of Victoria: Erwartung – Markus Matheis & Dean Sky-Lucas

August 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Lieder Society of Victoria: Erwartung – Markus Matheis & Dean Sky-Lucas

"Erwartung" Markus Matheis & Dean Sky-Lucas In this recital ERWARTUNG (expectation) Markus Matheis and Dean Sky-Lucas present a concert which chronicles…

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Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

August 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Recurring

Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

Now firmly established as one of Australia’s most prestigious singing events, the RMP Aria is Australia’s pre-eminent competition for oratorio soloists.…

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The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

August 14 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s third concert of the year takes us through works by Benjamin Britten, Don Bank, and…

Free
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Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

August 14 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

Now firmly established as one of Australia’s most prestigious singing events, the RMP Aria is Australia’s pre-eminent competition for oratorio soloists.…

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2 events, 18

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harold in Italy

August 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:20 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harold in Italy

The prose of Lord Byron provides the artistic inspiration behind this large-scale symphonic poem by Berlioz. MSO Principal Viola Christopher Moore…

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Guitarra – Paco Peña and The Grigoryan Brothers

August 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Guitarra – Paco Peña and The Grigoryan Brothers

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1 event, 19

7:30 pm - 9:35 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Poetry in Music – Berlioz and Tchaikovsky

August 19 @ 7:30 pm - 9:35 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Poetry in Music – Berlioz and Tchaikovsky

The prose of Lord Byron provides the artistic inspiration behind two large-scale symphonic poems by Berlioz and Tchaikovsky. MSO Principal Viola…

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Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Kanneh-Mason Family

August 20 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Kanneh-Mason Family

Sheku Kanneh-Mason shot to global fame after his mesmerising performance at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.…

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Real and Right and True – Lotte Betts-Dean and Calvin Bowman

August 20 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Real and Right and True – Lotte Betts-Dean and Calvin Bowman

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Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra – Romantic Adventure

August 21 @ 11:00 am - 11:45 am

Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra – Romantic Adventure

Be swept up the whirlwind of love in Romantic Adventure. Coruscating works make up this scintillatingly curated program, with each piece…

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

MYO – The Dancing Orchestra

August 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

MYO – The Dancing Orchestra

Melbourne Youth Orchestra welcomes popular, Vienna based Australian conductor Warwick Stengaards to the podium for The Dancing Orchestra. Vivacious music by Khachaturian,…

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7:30 pm

Great Performers 2022: Yeol Eum Son

August 22 @ 7:30 pm

Great Performers 2022: Yeol Eum Son

Yeol Eum Son’s graceful and timeless interpretations have moved audiences all over the world. Highly regarded as a brilliant virtuoso, she…

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1 event, 23

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Selby & Friends Twilight Series – In the Shadow of War

August 23 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby & Friends Twilight Series – In the Shadow of War

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7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ELISION – The Aesthetics of Disappearance

August 25 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ELISION – The Aesthetics of Disappearance

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Wanderlust

September 4 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Wanderlust

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Songmakers Australia: Schwanengesang

August 1 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Seraphim Trio – Gallic Charm

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Mostly Mozart – Musical Mavericks

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August 6 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Ray Chen

August 7
August 7 @ 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Flinders Quartet Concert 2

August 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Corpus Medicorum Concert #3

August 8
August 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Stewart Kelly – Schubert’s Swansong

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August 11
August 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Melbourne Guitar Quartet – Flow My Tears

August 12
August 12 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Recurring

Stravinsky’s Ballets

August 13
August 13 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm Recurring

Stravinsky’s Ballets

August 14
August 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Lieder Society of Victoria: Erwartung – Markus Matheis & Dean Sky-Lucas

August 14 @ 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Recurring

Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

August 14 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

August 14 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Recurring

Rutter’s Requiem and the 16th RMP Aria Final

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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August 18
August 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:20 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Harold in Italy

August 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Guitarra – Paco Peña and The Grigoryan Brothers

August 19
August 19 @ 7:30 pm - 9:35 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Poetry in Music – Berlioz and Tchaikovsky

August 20
August 20 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Kanneh-Mason Family

August 20 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Real and Right and True – Lotte Betts-Dean and Calvin Bowman

August 21
August 21 @ 11:00 am - 11:45 am

Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra – Romantic Adventure

August 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

MYO – The Dancing Orchestra

August 22
August 22 @ 7:30 pm

Great Performers 2022: Yeol Eum Son

August 23
August 23 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby & Friends Twilight Series – In the Shadow of War

August 25
August 25 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ELISION – The Aesthetics of Disappearance

September 4
September 4 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Wanderlust

August 20
August 20 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sheku Kanneh-Mason & the Kanneh-Mason Family

August 20 @ 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Real and Right and True – Lotte Betts-Dean and Calvin Bowman

August 21
August 21 @ 11:00 am - 11:45 am

Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra – Romantic Adventure

August 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

MYO – The Dancing Orchestra

August 22
August 22 @ 7:30 pm

Great Performers 2022: Yeol Eum Son

August 23
August 23 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Selby & Friends Twilight Series – In the Shadow of War

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August 25
August 25 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

ELISION – The Aesthetics of Disappearance

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September 4
September 4 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Wanderlust

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