Surging, rhythmic string music punctuated by piercing horn sounds. Powerful, spine-tingling arias sung at hair-splitting volumes. And then there’s the scene, the one everyone knows even if they’ve ...

Brunnhilde, complete with breastplate, spear and helmet, represents opera to many people. She has been displayed on opera posters as well as appearing as the subject of cartoons. Brunnhilde is a ...