Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Siegfried / Erster Aufzug: “Notung! Notung! Neidliches Schwert!”” by Richard Wagner
This powerful aria from Wagner’s opera, “Siegfried,” recounts the battle between Siegfried and the dragon, Fafner. As Siegfried approaches, his sword, Notung, glows with so much power that Fafner retreats in fear. The music reflects this tension between Siegfried and Fafner, starting slowly and steadily gaining intensity as Siegfried’s powers grow.
The lyrics boil down to Siegfried’s faithful plea to his weapon to protect him from harm: “Notung! Notung! Neidliches Schwert!” (“Notung! Notung! Grudge-filled sword!”). Here “Notung” is more than just the sword’s name – it’s a call for strength and resilience in the face of danger. Although Fafner’s evil power is rejected by Notung’s light, Siegfried’s courage is the ultimate force that wins the battle.
This aria is an ode to the fight against evil, no matter how daunting it seems. It serves as a rallying cry to all to find that unique and protective strength within themselves – holding on to it like the ultimate weapon.