Wagner’s favorite composer was Beethoven. Indeed, Wagner chose music as a profession after a thorough self-study of Beethoven’s symphonies. Two of the most famous motives in music are Beethoven’s “duh-duh-duh-DUHHH” from his Symphony No. 5 and Wagner’s “duh-duh-duh-DUHHH-duh” from his “Ride of the Valkyries.” As we have seen, Beethoven’s motive is omnipresent in the first movement of his symphony. Does Wagner’s motive operate similarly? What portion of this orchestral piece exploits the “duh-duh-duh-DUHHH-duh” motive?
The “Ride of the Valkyries” was used in the movie
Apocalypse Now
. Watch the video below and research the story behind the opera Valkyrie and the movie
Apocalypse Now
. Comment on why the filmmakers decided to use “Ride of the Valkyries” in one of the most important scenes in the film.
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