The first of the four operas in Wagner's The Ring of the Nibelung. Alberich steals the magic
Rhinegold from the Rhinemaidens, in the knowledge that he who forges a ring from it can rule the world. The ring is snatched from Alberich (who curses it) by Wotan, king of the gods, who in turn gives it to the giants
Fasolt and Fafner. They built Valhalla (a castle for the gods), and in return were promised Freia, goddess of youth, but they agreed to accept the gold instead. But they do not realise the power of the cursed ring, and in a struggle for its possession Fafner kills Fasolt. As the gods process into Valhalla, the Rhinemaidens lament the loss of the gold.
Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, conductor James Levine
Texaco supports the Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network, which is broadcast on Radio 3 through the EBU # See Music: page 47