Kirov’s ‘Ring’: Not a model to copy

MARK SWED was right in stating [“O.C. Grabs the ‘Ring,’ ” Oct. 9] that the Kirov “Ring” production at the Orange County Performing Arts Center was “nonsense,” “garish,” “flamboyant” and “strange.”

What he didn’t say is that it was confusing, weird and ugly, and that the actions didn’t match the libretto.

What were we to make of an Alberich who looked like Nosferatu, of a Sigmund’s sword that didn’t break on Wotan’s spear but just fell apart, of a Donner who talked about his hammer but didn’t have one, of a Rainbow Bridge that wasn’t there?

By the second night, one learned to ignore the stupid stage diversions and just listen to the music, which was glorious, even though the Brunnhilde had a bad wobble in her voice and there was neither magic nor fire in the Magic Fire scene.

I just hope that this does not set a new standard and that the forthcoming presentation of the “Ring” by Los Angeles Opera will not use this production as a model in any respect.

CARL PEARLSTON

Torrance