In 1954, after eight years, composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold returned to the movies for the last time. It was not because he was longing for, but because his fear, that if he would not write the arrangements for the new Richard Wagner movie, somebody else could do it in a "modernistic disrespectful" way, as he said in a radio interview, aired at the first of October 1954.
In the last 20 minutes of the movie a montage of scenes exists, which presents Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen"-circle, reduced from its full running time of about 16 HOURS to just 5 MINUTES.
As the actor, who should play the role of the conductor Hans Richter did not show up on the set, the director of this movie, Wilhelm (William) Dieterle asked Korngold, who was on the set to show actors like Alan Badel how to conduct, if he would not like to act as Richter. Korngold accepted and here we have him, added with wig and beard, conducting. It is by far the ONLY footage that shows Korngold conducting, although it is to playback music of course.
This and many more wonderful adaptations by Korngold from Wagner compositions are heard through the entire movie, you should watch. It is one of those lost gems of movie history!
Music Adapted and Supervised by Erich Wolfgang Korngold.
Conducted by Alois Melichar.
Performed by the Orchester der Bayrischen Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera Orchestra & Chorus).
