A Thrilling Götterdämmerung: “The Wagner Cycles” Continue in Paris
On 13 September 2026, the Dresdner Festspielorchester and Concerto Köln under Kent Nagano presented Wagner’s Götterdämmerung at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, continuing their historically informed exploration of Wagner’s Ring.
Stéphane Lelièvre wrote in Première Loge on 14 September 2026:
“More than some of the details that may immediately strike the ear – such as the choice of an unusual pitch of 435 Hz or certain tempi that are sometimes faster than usual, the striking, almost parlando-like singing in some scenes […] or the unusual sound of certain instruments (the éoliphone, the Wagner tubas and, more generally, the brass) – it is the overall impression that is profoundly transformed by these musicological choices.”
He continued:
“Above all, this makes it possible to question certain listening habits and rediscover a work in an entirely new light.”
The review also highlighted the enthusiastic response from the audience:
“[…] The audience took immense pleasure in this experience, judging by the acclaim that greeted all the artists at the end of the performance, and Concerto Köln and Kent Nagano in particular.”