New live recording: Wagner's Twilight of the Gods” causes a stir in Bayreuth!

New live recording: Wagner's Twilight of the Gods” causes a stir in Bayreuth!

On December 31, 2025, a live recording of Richard Wagner's “Twilight of the Gods” at the 2022 Bayreuth Festival was released on Blu-ray. This premiere caused mixed feelings in the audience, who did not appreciate all of director Valentin Schwarz's new interpretations and visual elements. The set design, created by Andrea Cozzi, and the costumes by Andy Visit contribute to the tension-filled atmosphere of the production, which is described by many as powerful musical theater. In this production, Brünnhilde and Siegfried's daughter, a symbol of hope for a better world, plays a central role.

The relationship between Siegfried and Brünnhilde is strained while Siegfried sets off on new adventures with Grane and his daughter suffers from nightmares. The story takes strange turns when Alberich steals a toy gun and Hagen, the head of the Gibichungen clan, takes the reins of power into his hands. Critics have given mixed reviews to the production, particularly the portrayal of the character Gunther, who shows signs of ADHD. The big game hunt in which Gunther and Gutrune take part also received attention, particularly as an allegory of the Geissens family, as BR-Klassik notes.

Direction and musical interpretation

The production was described as problematic, particularly in the second act, where many ideas were not sufficiently prepared or thought through. Nevertheless, the musical performance, under the direction of conductor Cornelius Meister, shows some highlights. Simone Young presented herself in particularly good form with her sound ideal, while Catherine Foster impressed in her final monologue. Mika Kares as Hagen and Christa Mayer as Waltraute also gave outstanding performances. Clay Hilley as Siegfried received positive mention, although Klaus Florian Vogt had difficulties with the production. Particularly striking was the climax scene in the first act, when Brünnhilde is overwhelmed by Gunther, a moment that perfectly captures the characters' intense emotions.

A dirty swimming pool in the third act and the symbolic projection of pregnant twins towards the end of the performance raise questions about the nature of life and time. The death of the Ring Child, influenced by the Rhine Maidens, is another tragic moment that moves viewers. Der Opernfreund emphasizes that the relationship between Brünnhilde and Grane, which is reminiscent of Salome, corresponds to both a connection and a break between norms and values.

Outlook for the 2026 festival

The next Bayreuth Festival will take place again in July 2026, with the focus being on exciting new aspects such as the integration of artificial intelligence into the production of the “Ring of the Nibelung” under the musical direction of Christian Thielemann. It remains to be seen how audiences will respond to these innovative concepts as the enduring fame of Richard Wagner and his complex characters continue to inspire.

For opera lovers, there is a preview of the upcoming performances, including “Tristan and Isolde” and several parts of “Ring”, which are already planned for August 2026. Tickets can be ordered via Friends of Bayreuth for members or online.