Concluding its 2010-11 Masterworks series, the Colorado Symphony pulled out all the stops in a concert presentation of Act I of “The Valkyrie,” the second of four operas that comprise Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Austrian conductor Christian Arming took the podium, directing the Colorado Symphony Chorus and a trio of accomplished Wagnerian singers — all in their Colorado Symphony debut performances — with poise and keen insight.
The cellos, basses and then violins delivered an aggressive, driving introduction to the rich, resonant sound of Simon O’Neill’s tenor, well-matched by Amber Wagner’s lush soprano. Also notable early in the performance was a beautifully played solo passage by Matthew Switzer, assistant principal cellist.
With nothing less than world dominion at stake, the epic, mythological drama pits Wotan — god of gods — against Alberich of the Nibelungen.
Among the pawns in Wotan’s plan is Hunding. Bass singer Burak Bilgili’s vivid, commanding performance of the menacing character rounds out the act in which twin siblings-turned-lovers are reunited, and together transcend their oppressors.
The all-Wagner program opened with the Prelude to Act III and the Bridal Chorus from his opera “Lohengrin.” Arming’s crisp and energetic reading of the prelude smoothly transitioned into the symphony chorus’ flowing, wonderfully restrained performance of the well-known bridal march.
Arming — light-footed, animated and engaging in his approach — then led the orchestra and the chorus’ female voices through Wagner’s delightful Spinning Chorus from Act II of “The Flying Dutchman.”
The program — a superb, artful tribute to Wagner’s brilliant, complex thought and bold musical expression — repeats today at 2:30 p.m..
