Above: Ferdinand Leeke's painting Todesverkündigung
In this overwhelming scene - the very heart of Wagner's RING Cycle - the tide of the narrative takes an unexpected turn as the world order is questioned and then shaken to its very roots.
Brunnhilde, in her accustomed role as a Valkyrie, unwillingly but dutifully obeys the decree of her father Wotan and appears as in a vision to Siegmund to inform him that he will meet his death in his coming fight with Hunding. This ritual has been carried out countless times by Brunnhilde and her sister-Valkyries, but never has such a weight borne down on the messenger: for Siegmund is Brunnhilde's half-brother and is - unbeknownst to him - the beloved son of Wotan.
Two things happen in this scene that make it blisteringly powerful: Siegmund rejects the immortal life in Valhalla that Brunnhilde promises him, saying that he will not forsake his sister-bride Sieglinde. And Brunnhilde's unswerving faith in her father is shattered as she grasps his duplicity.
WALKURE - scene Act II - Margarete Baumer and Gotthelf Pistor
The singers are:
Margarete Bäumer as Brunnhilde...
...and Gotthelf Pistor as Siegmund.