Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Siegfried

by Heather Leviston 11th December, 2013
by Heather Leviston 11th December, 2013
294

Arts Centre Melbourne/22 November 2013

*****

Brünnhilde’s final outpouring to Siegfried at the end of the second day of Wagner’s music drama begins: ‘O kindischer Held! O herrlischer Knabe! Du hehrster Taten töriger Hort!’ The terms ‘childish’, ‘boy’ and ‘foolish’ are among several along these lines that may point to why Neil Armfield and his creative production team staged Act I of Siegfried as they did.

Mime’s home was a shallow white proscenium stage within a stage, which dominated a simple domestic setting comprising a kitchen, complete with microwave oven, a small forge and bunk beds. Siegfried sat on the upper bunk cutting paper animals and did his best throughout the scene to act like a brat. There was certainly nothing heroic in continually abusing Mime, throwing his food away and scattering rubbish for Mime to pick up. Pretending to be a bear rather than bringing home a real one, as described in the libretto, further reinforced the notion of childish ways, as did his delight in his wooden sword. Graeme Macfarlane’s interpretation of Mime tended to emphasise that character’s more positive, playful characteristics, thereby making Siegfried’s petulant outbursts even more alienating.

It soon became clear, however, that Siegfried is a victim of secrets, lies and Mime’s self interest. Macfarlane’s animated depiction of childish glee at point scoring against the Wanderer’s riddles also went some way to explaining Siegfried’s attitude; he had a very poor role model. In addition, the high, sterile walls were relieved only by Siegfried’s drawings of animals, which provided his only consolation. Stefan Vinke’s portrayal of an adolescent, raging with pent-up frustration and longing for true human companionship, was infused with youthful energy. His clear, vibrant tenor was pushed close to its limits a couple of times, but always conveyed a sense of the hero even when the character’s behavior did not. Vinke’s engaging personality also persuaded the audience to make allowances for the hero’s bumptious bravado and to share his triumphant exhilaration as he sliced through the walls of his white prison with his newly forged sword at the end of the act.

In Siegfried Wotan makes his final appearance, this time as the Wanderer in search of wisdom. He shows Mime how the sword can be forged, alerts Alberich of danger in front of the dragon’s cave and, finally, after waking and releasing Erda, confronts Siegfried as he goes to release Brünnhilde from the ring of fire. With long white hair and wearing sunglasses to act as a disguise, rather than the customary broad-brimmed hat, Terje Stensvold continued to radiate authority. A powerful, sculpted bare chest showing between the edges of a grizzled fur coat reinforced this impression. In addition to his imposing presence, Stensvold’s voice was enough to command instant respect. Even Warwick Fyfe’s terrific Albrecht paled slightly beside the power and beauty of Stensvold’s voice as he made this a ‘Ring’ to treasure. His acceptance of his loss of power when his defiant son smashes his staff was delivered with dignified stoicism; he knows that he cannot stop the turning of the wheel of Fate.

Strangely, there was no mention of Wotan’s encounter with Erda at the beginning of Act III in the Cast list/Synopsis sheet, nor was there any acknowledgement of the actress who mimed the part from a wheelchair, dressed in the suit previously worn by Deborah Humble in Das Rheingold. Wearing a black dress and veil, Humble stood behind the wheelchair, almost as an Erda shadow. Her response to Wotan’s summons was intense and darkly weighted as she referred him to their daughter Brünnhilde for advice. The interaction between Stensvold’s Wanderer and the elderly lady in the wheelchair may have been curious, but it was surprisingly moving as he bent over her and finally released Erda into eternal sleep.

The most forceful vocal contribution came from a judiciously amplified Jud Arthur in his role of Fafner/dragon. Jud Arthur’s resonant bass, combined with some superb weighty playing of Fafner’s hoard motif by the tuba and other lower reaches of the orchestra, served to create a chilling atmosphere of brooding threat. A giant projected image of Fafner’s head appeared behind the real Fafner as he slowly applied a clown’s makeup, seated before a mirror. Any resemblance to Pagliacci ended as he bared his teeth, painted his tongue red and his head white. He was also naked.

A visual motif of ‘The Ring Cycle’ as a particular type of theatre continued as the set revolved to reveal the outside of Fafner’s cave in a form that references Wagner’s Festspielhaus and the replica ‘Festspielhaus’ cladding the tram in the Arts Centre courtyard. Even the light bulbs surrounding the latter’s name find a parallel in the flashing light bulbs around the proscenium arch as the Wanderer first appears and as Siegfried passes through the fire. When the dragon is slain by fearless Siegfried inside the cave, a shower of red confetti spurted from the opening and Fafner then staggered out wearing only a liberal coating of red paint. Doubtless, some in the audience would have been shocked at Jud Arthur’s manly frame being exposed in this way and deemed it another gratuitous gimmick designed to shock rather than enlighten; theatre stripped bare taken a step too far. Others might have seen pathos in the vulnerability of the last of the giants and a telling reminder of Alberich’s curse.

In contrast, Siegfried’s nonchalance in the face of threat and his joy in nature provided welcome relief. His Papageno style attempts to communicate with the Woodbird were humorous and endearing. Taryn Fiebig made a vocally and physically delightful Woodbird. Flitting around the stage in a pale gold shimmering dress, her warning of Mime’s treachery further reinforced the value of nature as opposed to greed for wealth and power. Siegfried’s earlier bad behavior also became more understandable and forgivable as Mime’s true intentions were revealed to him through the power of the dragon’s blood.

The choice of having a glittering golden curtain slowly descend from the proscenium arch structure to depict the ring of fire appeared to be a renewed reference to Tivoli theatricals and the Rhine maidens. After all, Siegfried had claimed (and was wearing) the ring by this time. As the stage revolved, a life-sized representation of Brünnhilde’s horse appeared along with Brünnhilde herself in a crate covered with transparent plastic. While there is obviously a connection with the crated animals of Das Rheingold, a pantomime Snow White in her glass casket also sprang to mind, especially as Siegfried parted the glitter curtain with his sword, cut through the plastic and kissed her.

Whatever the intentions of Neil Armfield and his team, Stefan Vinke and Susan Bullock were superb. Vinke gave a most credible account of Siegfried’s bewildered naiveté and his sense of wonderment and joy at finding his companion. Bullock’s portrayal of Brünnhilde was finely layered as she moved from gradual awakening, along with a joyful recognition of her shining hero, to ambivalence concerning her loss of godhead. The staging of their final rapturous interchange focused on the sublime music and what these singers were able to bring vocally and emotionally to their roles. Underpinned by more fabulous playing from the orchestra under Pietari Inkinen, especially from the strings, their laughing abandon in the face of doom provided a thrilling climax to another absorbing evening.

Melbourne Ring Orchestra/ Conductor: Pietari Inkinen

Director: Neil Armfield/ Set Designer: Robert Cousins/ Costume Designer: Alice Babidge / Lighting Designer: Damian Cooper/ Sound Designer: Jim Atkins

CAST in order of appearance

Mime: Graeme Macfarlane/ Siegfried: Stefan Vinke/ Wanderer: Terje Stensvold/ Fafner: Jud Arthur/ Alberich: Warwick Fyfe/ Woodbird: Taryn Fiebig/ Erda: Deborah Humble/ Brünnhilde: Susan Bullock

0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmail
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.

previous post
Opera Australia:Der Ring des Nibelungen: Götterdämmerung
next post
Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Die Walküre

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

1 event, 14

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

2 events, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

3 events, 18

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

AXIS MUNDI: spectacular sonic imaginations. ELISION presents a major concert of new music followed by a special late night event delivering…

$45 – $55
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

Lilly Yang, flute Rachel Lau, flute Amanda Pang, piano As part of an east coast tour, three Australian National Academy of…

$20 – $30
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

Inland and Astra present a special combined event celebrating one of Australia's leading international performers, clarinetist Anthony Burr,  a foremost interpreter of the music of Alvin Lucier (1931–2021).…

$15 – $30

2 events, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

0 events, 20

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

1 event, 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

The Spirit of Invention. Vienna, 1785. Johann Friedrich Schink is blown away by a new work featuring the clarinet and basset…

$49 – $153

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

1 event, 26

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

$35.00 – $49.00

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 3
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 14
July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

  • There are no events on this day.
July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 26
July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Classic Melbourne’s reviews policy

audio
Our point of differenceby Editor Suzanne Yanko

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Follow us on Facebook

Classic Melbourne

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Arts Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Melbourne Recital Centre

Introducing Classic Melbourne

audio
Speech at launch by Conductor Andrew Wailes

Your browser does not support the audio element.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

@2019 - All Right Reserved.

Classic Melbourne
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Calendar
    • Terms and conditions
    • Apply to post your events
    • Post Your Event
  • Newsletter Signup
  • About
  • Contact

Read alsox

Camilla Tilling

12th April, 2016

The English Songbook

18th March, 2014

ANAM Chamber Music Festival: The Innovative Spirit...

28th November, 2023