Gold, protected by the daughters of the river Rhine, harbours a deep magic. Anyone who casts a ring made from it can rule the whole world but must also renounce love forever. The promise of unlimited power proves irresistible to opportunistic gods, arguing giants, and ambitious dwarfs. The power of the gold trades hands many times, leaving a trail of misery and murder in its wake. Whoever wears the “rheingold” is cursed to be its slave.

Wagner’s retelling of Norse mythology in Das Rheingold portrays universal themes of love and power, and the forceful music creates a grandeur unparalleled in opera. This is further magnified by positioning the entire eighty-piece orchestra and conductor on the stage with the cast and set.