Ride of the Valkyries

Richard Wagner wrote four operas in what is known as the Ring Cycle. In German the formal name of the cycle is Der Ring des Nibelungen. The second of these four operas is "The Valkyrie" or in German "Die Walküre." The beginning of the Third Act has Wagner's most famous work: The Ride of the Valkyries. My love for the power and majesty of this work inspired me to write this transcription. To me the music called for a virtuosic touch giving a brash, heart pounding rendition. One item of note is the prolonged introduction for the work before the theme arrives. For such a short work the introduction is rather long, but it is as Wagner wanted it. I thought of reducing it, but felt that doing so would damage the momentum building in the music leading to the main theme. I hope you agree with my interpretation and enjoy this take on Wagner's most renowned work.