New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-08-14
"TUE RHElNGOLD.n

! SYNOPSIS OF !rIE FIRST PART or THE WORK.
| That norton of Wagncr's drama which was per.
formed last evening at Blyreuth is the first OF four
parts into which the complete work Is divided, the
remaining three to be presonted to-day, Tomorrow,
| and Wednesday. The four operas thus constituting
the entire series are not recent production They
were each written more than twenty years ago, and
for long period the author looked forward almost
in vain to a time when a special and complete per-
formauco might le made Long after this hope had
first been cherished Karl Taussg, the noted pianist,
proposed that 1000 tickets at the price of $225
each should he sold in Europe and America, and the
proceeds devoted To the erection of suitable tAeater
and the payment Of other expenses incident TO tho
festival Taussg died not long after but out o. his
suggestions grew the system of - Wagner Asso,la-
tions,' through which contributions were finally
obtained, aud the preparations begun.
The four parts of the drama, was stated in an
exhaustive review in THE TUIBUNE of August ~,
1875, are known respectively as THE Rheln-
godp The Walkyren," "Segfred,' and The
Twilight of the Gods The basis of the story
upon which the drama is founded repre-
septs the world as inhabited by three races OF
beings-the Nibluugs Dwarfs who live IN the
interior of the earth; the Giants, who rule on its
surface and the Gods, who rule on the tops OF
mountains. A struggle for the gold concealed IN
among these races, three daughters of the Rhein
being the guardians of the treasure. In the hrst
scene Alberto Dwarf makes love 10 one OF the
maidens. who does not heed his entreatieS, knowing
their weakening effect upon her own power TO guard
the gold Thercupon the Dwarf himself curses love
and ,,izcs the golden prize, making good his Hight
From the sisters Alberto las already learned that
when portion of the gold should be fashioned INTO
ring its posSessor if constantly wearing II, wonld
have control of the whole world. The race OF
Dwars then becomes his slaves and forgcs the ring.
The second scene opens with the abode of the Gods,
the fortress of Wahalla being in the distance
Wotan one of the Gods, had made bargain with the
Giants 70 bnild this stronghold, who were to be
rewarded with tie gift olFrcia the Goddess OF Eter-
nal Youth. But after the work il completed Wotan
repcuts and asks TIE return Of Frca. The Giants
say they will grant the request only on condition
that Wotan procure for them the Nbung treasure.
lie begins his wo;k. Through treachery Albenc Is
cantured his riches wrcsed from him, ana the ring
taken from his hand But one Of the Giants, Farold,
refuses 10 give up Freia unless the gold be sufficient
IN cover her entire form. The needed gold Is
found. bat it includes even Wo'an's ring wHich nc
nor,s with with great reluctance, and Freia is re-
leased. The two Giants then yieid TO inc curse
aur;c had east upon the ring and quarrel over the
treasure, Farod being killed by his brother.
tburdr.storm occurs with great violence. and il is
fnIlo,ycd bv a beautiful rainbow, over which rs
6r,lyr the Gods who have recovered their youth,
pass To their beautiful home.
This COMPLETES the first part OF the drama ana
properly IFS prologue It's ptsSenrh o MI Ur hob
which will continue, with an nltcrmission untli late
in the evening.