We take a look at what is being said about Barrie Kosky’s take on Wagner’s opera.
The Guardian: ***** “Pappano and Kosky seem absolutely of one mind here, and it’s gratifying to see and hear the unfolding of a Ring cycle that’s so serious in its intent yet so deft in its touch.”
The FT: **** ” In this Siegfried, Kosky’s Ring has lost some of its earlier clear-headed consistency, but gained in flair, and the production’s ecological message remains firmly on track. It is a sure bet that naked Erda will be there at the very end.”
Bachtrack: ***** “the revelatory orchestral performance and in the characterisation of the singers make this a Siegfried for the record books. There aren’t many tickets, but try and bag a return.”
The Telegraph: ***** “Barrie Kosky’s version of the third chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle is a triumph.”
London Unattached: ***** “This Siegfried is brilliant storytelling. If, as I was, you are daunted by the idea of nearly six hours of opera, albeit with two long intervals (the first of 30 minutes, the second a full hour, so perfect for grabbing some food), then you can relax in the knowledge that you will be gripped by the story from start to finish. More than that, the orchestra under the baton of the much-loved Antonio Pappano perform brilliantly, with almost deafening brass and stunning woodwind solos, complemented by a glorious string section.”
The Arts Desk: ***** “Pappano powers what’s finally a blazing love duet after the doubts and fears of his two virgins to an exultant end. From the jubilant curtain calls, it seems as if Schager’s Siegfried could have danced and sung all night, and for many of us it’s been difficult to sleep. That’s the power of a great Wagner night at the opera. ”
The Standard: **** “Kosky’s staging is nevertheless a triumph, not least because it provides an exemplar of the psychologically based character interaction, incorporating motivated gesture, physical movement and acute response to text and music, that for Wagner was more of a priority than purely musical values.”
The Stage: ***** “The Royal Opera’s Ring reaches new heights with the third of its four operas.”
MusicOMH.com: “This was a red-letter night – not just for the company, but for Wagner performance more broadly. Kosky’s Siegfried feels like a genuine event: theatrically coherent, musically outstanding and compelling from start to finish. On this showing, Götterdämmerung cannot come around soon enough.”
To book tickets for Siegfried visit: https://www.rbo.org.uk/tickets-and-events/siegfried-barrie-kosky-details