New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-15
PLOT OF "TUr WAIKYRFN.p

Tie performance yesterday at the Bayrcnth Fes-
tiva consisted OF the second part of the dramatic
series constituting The Ring of the Nibungn and
is known as THE Wakyren." Inc first part had
concluded on the previous day with the surrender
of the ring to the Giants and the departure of the
Gods with Freia. the Goddess of Eternal Youth, to
their abode in Walhalla. BY this act of surrender
Wotan. Minister Of Justice, bad taken most fatal
step Although his position gave him tho award Of
justice. he yielded to the sings of selfish DESIRE aud
surrendered the gold to TIE Giants when it right
fully belonged 10 the daughters of the Rhine, in
order that he might recover his youth. The
laws which alone could insure his race from
the powers Ct darkness and chaos had thus been
fineed, and they We're thencefOrth subject to the
curse which Alberto had given to the gold. Their
doom was therefore inevitable. Wotan, in full
knowledge Of his future, begins desperate efforts TO
regain whd. he has lost. lie visits Erda, the All
wise Goddess who had counseed him to redeem FIeia
with the gold. lie subdues her by powerful charm,
and nine daughters, the Walkyreu, are born HIM,
who are to become agents of his plans, breathing
courage into 80 souls Of his combatants. Assuming
the raEle W..sr, WOtan dwels for a time on tho
earth studying how he can best accomplish his
endS, and after uniting himself to Of the daugh-
tiers Of Erda becomes by her the father Of
segmuna and siegnde, who arc twins sicgmund
grow sup the companion of his father dwelling with
him in the forests and leading life Of murder
hardship. and adventure. Meanwhile and unbe-
known to the father aud son. the mothers house is
attacked and burned and Seglinde carried away
against her will 70 become the unwilling wife of
IIundns, q mortal enemy Of her brother. One day
Sieenund Is overcome III the forest BY an enemy,
and, while fleeing before him, is driven into Humid
lungs house. where he falls asleep, but is recog-
rlzed by his sister,
IIu4diHg returns and knows his visitor. but bids
him retire and pass peaceful night, but TO rise in
the morning ready for mortal combat with him.
Sic slnde prepares the chamber for her lord, and
hands him his usual draught into which she had
injected narcotic. Handling takes himself to bis
couch. and is in sleep. Sieglinde comes forth
from the chamber and seats herself ut the side of
her brother toward whom she had already ex-
perieuccd tcnde feeling, but did not know that it
cane from tho fact that the same blood flowed
in her vens rs in his. Seglinde tells him
of her wedding day, and how an old man
tWotanl had appeared dressed in rluo clothing that
covered him even to the very eyes, and had plunged
sword into of the pillars Of the house rs far as
the very hit. offering it as gift 10 the man who
should be able To withdraw il from its place. Tho
sword remained there still. Siegmund and Sicglindc
sitting by n dying fire, and Is this story was
told. pickering ray of light from the pershng
leaving darkness A gentle wind opens the door aud
delicious and brilliant moonlight stream in upon
the floor. lighting up the faces Of the brother and
sister who with accord recognize each other and
are enraptured with delight. The sword is plainly
visible Siegnund in tho moonlight, aud with
vigor in every nerve and muscle he PUSHES TO lie
place, and with tremendous effort disodges tho
weapon from its position. Seglinde, toward morn
ing retires to her chamber, and at early dawn
Hundluug arises and calls for Segmund, whom no
tells To prepare for battle The strife begins.
The three on the scene. WOtan appears
in company with his favorite daughter Brynhlld,
one of the Walkyren, who adopts the cause of her
earthly brother Siegfried, and IN the fight covers
him with her shield But WOtan, Influenced by Eria,
who had only hatred for son Of Wotaus born OF
another bride than herself, espouses the cause Of
Hundlng, and tine unfortunate Slegiried falls in
the battle But Brynhild goes 10 the and of the dis
consulate Sleglinde whom she throws upon n steed,
and the two disappear amid thunder and flashes Of
lightning Another scene then opens with The Rido
OF the Waikyen, which is ofthe most vivid IN tho
whole drama. During vivid thunderstorm Wal
kyres appear from all directions riding on horseback,
each with corpse in tho saddle before her. Notan
appears greatly angered with Brynhild Her sis
ters plead for her; bat he is hnplacabe. aud con-
dennis her 10 sleep earth until awakened by y
Giant to whom she must be a wife. She pleads shat.
none but strong heroic man may awaken her, ana
OH mound in the center OF The stage Wotsa places
her prostrate and calls forth Loge, the god of fire,
who surrounds her with flame, aud Wotan in his
rage and sorrow disappears in = cloud from tic view.
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TELEGRAPHIC NOTES.