Das Rheingold
Wagner's epic Ring cycle, broadcast from London's Royal Opera House over the next nine days. This first complete cycle of Richard Jones 's controversial production is conducted by the Royal Opera's music director, Bernard Haitink. John Tomlinson and Jane Henschel recreate their famous portrayals of Wotan and Fricka, while Philip Langridge plays their slippery sidekick Loge, God of Fire, for the first time at Covent Garden. They are faced with finding a solution to the parallel crises caused by Alberich's theft of the gold from the River Rhine, and Wotan's own unwise contract with the giants Fasolt and Fafner - to give them Freia, Goddess of Youth and Beauty, in return for building a great castle for the gods: Valhalla. The Gods:
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conductor Bernard Haitink
Die Walkure is broadcast tomorrow 6.30pm