Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Zu neuen Taten, teurer Helde (Götterdämmerung)” by Bayreuth Festival Chorus
This song from Richard Wagner’s opera, Götterdämmerung, is a rousing call to arms for the hero of the drama. The hero, Sigfried, is being encouraged to embark on a new heroic quest, one that will require tremendous courage and strength in order to save the day. The melody is stirring and powerful, full of heroic determination and progressive modulation that serves to build a sense of tension and urgency.
The song invites Sigfried to embark on a new quest and to live up to his reputation as a hero. The chorus proclaims “Zu neuen Taten, teurer Helde” (to new deeds, dear hero). The words encourage Sigfried to take on this new quest with great zeal and courage, and to fulfill his destiny as the hero of the drama. There is a sense of admiration and respect in the lyrics, as the chorus speaks of Sigfried’s “leave-taking deeds” and “glorious fame”, both referring to his heroic acts of courage and strength of will.
The song is a passionate call to action, and the chorus’s pleas are sincere and devoted. As the chorus proclaims, “You must, you must fulfill the duty of the gods”, it is clear that Sigfried is expected to rise above his own limitations in order to save the day.