Wagner: Das Rheingold 45 years old

Wagner: Das Rheingold

This 1978 studio production of the prologue to Wagner's masterpiece is the only segment of the famous Salzburg Festival/Metropolitan Opera productions, first seen in the 1960s, that made it to film. Based on one of those original productions, Georges Wakhevitch produced stage settings and transformations that supported Karajan's concept with every possible means. Herbert Von Karajan's staging is in the epic style of another age, emphasizing the dignity of the gods rather than their all too human failings. With the singers - foremost among them Peter Schreier - Karajan had an ensemble that fully conformed to his intentions.

Credits

Wagner: Das Rheingold Cast

Name Character
Herbert von Karajan He was 70, 81 years old when he died as Dirigent
Edda Moser She was 39, now 85 years old as Wellgunde
Brigitte Fassbaender She was 38, now 84 years old as Fricka

Wagner: Das Rheingold Crew

Name Department
Richard Wagner as Original Music Composer. He was 165 (69) years old when He died Sound
Richard Wagner as Writer. He was 165 (69) years old when He died Writing
Herbert von Karajan as Director. He was 70 (81) years old when He died Directing
Wagner: Das Rheingold poster
Wagner: Das Rheingold (45 years)

  • Release day: Wednesday, May 31, 1978
  • Runtime: 143 minutes