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Crescendo
Andreas Delfs
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Symphony preps for rare masterpiece
This weekend, concertgoers can look forward to a rare and highly coveted musical gem as the Honolulu Symphony introduces to Hawaii a masterpiece of phenomenal proportions: Richard's Wagner's "Ring" Without Words.
HONOLULU SYMPHONY
» In concert: 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday
» Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
» Tickets: $19 to $70; $10 students; 20 percent discount for military and seniors. Available at Ticketmaster outlets; (877) 750-4400
» Call: 792-2000 or 524-0815, ext. 245 (evenings), or visit www.honolulusymphony.com
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Known throughout the English-speaking world as "The Ring Cycle," Wagner's opera tetralogy "Der Ring des Nibelungen" is a cycle of four operas (or "music dramas" -- Wagner's preferred term). Our concerts will present orchestral highlights from these larger-than-life masterworks that have captured the imaginations of people the world over, from opera lovers to rock fans.
It took more than 25 years for Wagner to complete the series that includes "The Rhinegold," "The Valkyrie," "Siegfried" and "Twilight of the Gods." From around 1848 to 1874, Wagner created this epic that has earned legendary status in the music world. Inspired by Norse and Germanic myths and stories, "The Ring Cycle" tells a fairy-tale saga of knights and warriors, maidens and dwarves.
What we'll perform is an outstanding introduction to "The Ring Cycle" and the music of Wagner, ideal for both opera aficionados and those who favor instrumentals. In true Wagnerian fashion, the size of the orchestra will swell to more than 90 musicians.
While the operas take more than 17 hours to present, the "Ring" Without Words takes less than an hour. It is a synthesis of the four operas -- without the vocal parts -- and features many of the most famous passages. Even if you have never heard the name Wagner, you will probability recognize several of the illustrious melodies, especially the familiar "Ride of the Valkyries."
It will come as no surprise that professional stagings of "The Ring Cycle" are few, even in the world's wealthiest and most opera-crazed cities. It is a huge undertaking for an opera company, and quite frequently the series is presented over several years versus over the course of a week, which was Wagner's original intention.
Indeed, "The Ring Cycle" called for an opera hall that was more than double the size of any hall of the time. Not only does it demand an orchestra of vast and costly proportions, but each opera runs more than four hours. (Undefeated, Wagner built his own opera house in Bayreuth, Germany, to stage the cycle.)
This is a rare opportunity to experience a "sampling" of Wagnerian music -- a chance to experience the work of a master of the orchestra who took immense risks and achieved greatness. His is a rare masterwork that appeals to a broad range of musical tastes and thus has been a perennial treasure chest for movie composers. If you love the music of "Star Wars," this is a concert that you simply can't miss.
Andreas Delfs is principal conductor with the Honolulu Symphony.