The Fredösphere

It is come.  Let the nations rejoice.  I now own a copy of An Introduction to Der Ring Des Nibelungen, narrated by Deryck Cooke.

I haven't heard this disk since my undergraduate days, but I never forgot it.  It was incredibly influential, teaching me pretty much everything I know about the Ring cycle.  If you have not yet undertaken a study of the motifs of the Ring, I urge you to order a copy of the Deryck Cooke CD now.

I said now.

A few reactions:

• Knowing the many motifs, and especially, understanding how they relate to one another, gives one an appreciation for the towering achievement of Der Ring.  Good job, Wagner!
• This recording was made in 1968; my only complaint is that the singing lacks the precision of modern examples, so some of the motifs are not clearly defined.
• Of the many things in the plot that bug me, it seems no one ever actually gets to wield the power of the ring.  I'd like to see a little conspicuous consumption somewhere along the line.  Most people die too quickly when they acquire it; the lone exception is one very sulky dragon.
• I'm reminded of a friend who was a deep, deep Wagnerophile.  His hobby was transcribing Wagner's orchestral pieces for wind ensemble.  He and I both attended an independent evango-charismatic church at the time, and he latched onto me, perceiving (no doubt, correctly) that I was the only member of that congregation who could converse with him on the subject of Wagnerian operas.  "In Wagner, the drama is in the orchestra pit!" he would always exclaim, his face flushed with satisfaction at his insight.

Do any animated versions of Der Ring exist on the internet?  Silly question!  Here's a flash animation realization that is just getting started; only a bit of Die Walkure is available.  There's also a animation of the legend, using Wagner's music as background to the spoken dialog, and it is located ... it is located ... darn!  I can't find it anymore.  If you know where it is, please be a good egg and put the link in the comments section.

Incidentally, these nascent efforts at visualizing Der Ring are almost certainly not up to ACD's standards (certainly not this one!), but he supports the general idea.  Finally, here's a highly-prized version in graphic novel form, for all those who think Der Ring would be great if only they would turn that dang music off.