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The curtain calls for Das Rheingold are finished, and the genius of our plan is apparent.

While a live Ring would certainly  be cooler, a DVD Ring among friends is an epic idea. In a laid-back setting, all present feel free to heckle or cheer as appropriate. We can rewind for great visual moments, such as the unforgettable moment when Wotan throws the ring at the giants, only to have it break on the stage when it lands (also worth buying the dvd for).

It seems like any Ring staging always needs a balance between genius and madness, between beauty and stupidity. I think that balance has been struck pretty well here in episode one, with some stunning visuals alongside some touches that would make a community theatre production of Carousel cringe for cheese factor. Orchestrally, this is not a great cycle, but there are some strong vocal performances.

We’re now having a quick coffee before moving on to Walkure with Barenboim from Bayreuth. High spirits so far. My last Walkure was the Covent Garden prom with Domingo and Terfel two years ago. I fear Danny and co won’t quite rise to that standard, but who knows….