This is the Ring cycle of the Dutch National Opera, directed by Pierre Audi. In the depths of the Rhine, the three Rhinemaidens guard the Rhinegold, a treasure of immeasurable value. The Nibelung dwarf Alberich is dazzled by the sight of it. The girls explain that whoever wins the gold and forges it into a ring will gain power over the world, but must first renounce love. Frustrated by his unsuccessful attempts to catch one of the girls, Alberich curses love and steals the gold. Wotan, lord of the gods, is reproached by his wife Fricka: he has promised to give Freia, goddess of youth, to the giants Fasolt and Fafner in return for their building a fortress for the gods. When the giants demand their reward, Loge, the god of fire, suggests an alternative payment: the ring Alberich has forged from the Rhinegold, and his other treasures. The giants agree, and Wotan and Loge leave for the Nibelungs’ underground home.

Thomas Johannes Mayer
as Wotan

Štefan Margita
as Loge

Doris Soffel
as Fricka

Anna Gabler
as Freia

Vladimir Baykov
as Donner

Marina Prudenskaya
as Erda

Werner Van Mechelen
as Alberich

Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke
as Mime

Stephen Milling
as Fasolt

Jan-Hendrik Rootering
as Fafner