Wagner's masterpiece: The 5 best interpretations of the Meistersinger!
Wagner's masterpiece: The 5 best interpretations of the Meistersinger!
Bayreuth, Deutschland - On June 17, 2025, BR-Klassik published an exciting article by Volkmar Fischer about Wagner's masterpiece "The Meistersinger von Nuremberg". The article is a tribute to the most important interpretations of the past 80 years and illuminates important moments of the reception history of this opera classic. Nothing less than the inauguration of the Prinzregententheater in Munich in 1901 and the reopening of the Bayreuth Festival House in 1951 are just a few of the central events with which the work is closely linked.
The figure of the Hans Sachs is skillfully put on the center, which as a shoemaker and poet ensures that the spectators can experience the different facets of Wagner's brilliant work. The first mentioned interpretation comes from Arturo Toscanini with the Vienna Philharmonic from 1937, which despite the technical defects in recording technology shines with comedic lightness and precise rhythmic. The occupation at this time included Hans Hermann Nissen as Sachs and Maria Reining as Eva.A look at the most important recordings
But what would the Meistersinger be without their numerous new interpretations? Rafael Kubelik's admission with the Symphony Orchestra of the BR from 1967 should not be missing. This version captivates with a more slim music. Thomas Stewart gives the Sachs here, while Sándor Konya takes on the role of Stolzing.
- Arturo Toscanini (1937): Wien Philharmoniker
- Rafael Kubelik (1967): Symphony Orchestra of the BR
- Herbert von Karajan (1970): Staatskapelle Dresden
- Philippe Jordan (2017): orchestra of the Bayreuth Festival
- Roger Norrington: London Classical Players
Another highlight is the sound delicacy of Herbert von Karajan and the Staatskapelle Dresden from 1970. Here Theo Adam as Sachs and René Kollo as Stolzing convinces. The chamber music of this work comes into its own. And then there would be Philippe Jordan, who was faced with acoustic challenges on the green hill at the 2017 Bayreuth Festival.
tradition meets innovation
In the context of "The Meistersinger von Nuremberg", the innovative staging of Wieland Wagner is also important in 1951. This staging was not undisputed; The conservative faction in Bayreuth in particular had concerns. Wieland Wagner himself emphasized in his essay "tradition and innovation" that the work needs a certain naturalism, shaped by a clear geographical place and human protagonists. But the premiere in 1956 surprised positively. The first act was accepted with great approval, but expectations should change in the course of the staging.
Especially the second act disappointed when the initial enthusiasm was replaced by an empty stage and an oversized, floating ball that seemed to defy gravity. However, the loving reconstruction of the St. Katharinenkirche, a central place of the Meistersinger, cannot hide the absence of important elements such as Hans Sachs' workshop.
On July 25, 2025, there will be the opportunity to follow the performance live on BR classics. The expectations are high and the audience can look forward to a remarkable experience.
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| Ort | Bayreuth, Deutschland |
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