The End of the Tunnel: Barry Emslie reports on the penultimate outing of Götz Friedrich’s ‘Ring’ production in Berlin

The Deutsche Oper in Berlin has always regarded the Götz Friedrich Ring as the brightest jewel in its crown. Unfortunately, the revival I caught this season (9, 10, 16 and 18 February) was hardly a triumph musically. Donald Runnicles in the pit was dramatically flaccid – although the lyrical passages were often impressive – and the cast, but for the Brünnhilde of Evelyn Herlitzius and a promising but still-developing Siegfried from Alfons Eberz, was ordinary. Also the 20-year-old production is showing its age. Valhalla, for instance, now wafts on its suspensions. The fire worked, though. You can file your annual Deutsche Oper Rings on the basis of how many of the famous under-stage gas jets actually ignite. This year I got the lot.