To skepticism I must now confess
Of whether Wagner’s Ring could be well told
By an ensemble that does not possess
One singer. When the prelude to Rheingold

Washed over me in its entirety,
I feared that choppiness would soon ensue
Perhaps when Rhinemaidens made their entry,
Or at the Nibelung’s attempt to woo.

Though Erda has no leider, and the horns
Portrayed Brünhilde’s ride, but not her death,
Maazel removes all music of the Norns,
Yet what remains will take away the breath.

Such epic orchestration makes a mark-
One fourteenth of the Ring is quite an arc.