Experience Wagner’s complete Ring cycle as the composer meant it to be presented.

Robert Lepage’s acclaimed new production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen is preceded by the broadcast of award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke’s documentary “Wagner’s Dream,” which chronicles the backstage story of the creation of this ambitious new staging of the cycle. This is the third time a complete Ring cycle has aired on PBS. In 1983, GREAT PERFORMANCES aired Patrice Chereau’s production of the Ring conducted by Pierre Boulez from the Bayreuth Festival, and in 1990, LIVE FROM THE MET (the precursor of GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET) presented Otto Schenk’s Metropolitan Opera production, conducted by James Levine.

"Wagner's Dream" Monday, September 10, 2012, 9:00 p.m. ET

"Das Rheingold (The Rhine Gold)" Tuesday, September 11, 2012, 9:00 p.m. ET

"Die Walkure (The Valkyrie)" Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 9:00 p.m. ET

"Seigfried" Thursday, September 13, 2012, 9:00 p.m. ET

"Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods)" Friday, September 14, 2012, 9:00 p.m. ET