Wagner’s thunderous musical drama Die Walkure is renowned for being played boomingly loud.

The long and dramatic piece usually requires a huge orchestra with a powerhouse of a brass section.

But for one renowned viola player, the famous music has put an end to his career.

Chris Goldschider claims his hearing has been irreversibly damaged after the Royal Opera House continuously placed him next to loud, brass instruments during rehearsals of the epic drama.

He is now suing them for ruining his hearing and his career.

The Royal Opera House (ROH) denies it is responsible but around a quarter of its players suffer hearing illnesses.

Goldscheider, 46, says the effects of the hearing damage have been devastating and he is now suffering from depression as a result of being unable to play.

He is claiming compensation from the ROH’s insurers and if he succeeds in winning damages, his solicitor will go ahead with a six-figure loss of earnings claim.

Court documents seen by the BBC, state the sound of the instruments in the famous “pit” at the opera house peak at around 137 decibels – roughly the sound of a jet engine.