richard wagner chevron nso “symphony goes to school” program prepared by shawn bennett &...
TRANSCRIPT
Richard WagnerChevron NSO “Symphony Goes to School” Program
Prepared by Shawn Bennett & Timothy Brennan© NSO 2015
fast factso Born in Leipzig, Germany
o 1813 – 1883 (age 69)
o Lived in Dresden, Paris, Zurich, Venice, Munich and Bayreuth (among others)
o Conductor, playwright, poet, and philosopher
o One of the most famous and influential opera composers of all time.
musical era
Wagner was an iconic composer of the late-Romantic period. His music
was very dramatic and grandiose. Towards the end of his life his
compositions grew more and more complex - he is often credited with
ending the Romantic period and bringing about the “Modern” era.
personal life
Wagner was an outspoken German nationalist.
Scholars debate how much his writings and
views influenced Nazi doctrines and beliefs of
the 20th century anti-Semitic movement.
He was a figure of much controversy. From
1850-1862 he was actually exiled from
Germany for his radical views.
Many claimed his music to be “ear-splitting.”
Listen to the Prelude from Tristan und Isolde
and decide for yourself!
legacy
Despite the political and musical controversies in his lifetime, there is no
denying Wagner’s influence on music history. He believed in creating “total
works of art,” and would write the plot, music, lyrics, and staging of his operas
himself (this was revolutionary!). He invented the leitmotif, a musical motif that
would accompany a character, place, or plot element. Leitmotifs are still used
to great effect in the film music of today. You might already know this leitmotif
from Wagner’s opera Die Walküre. Click here to have a listen!
recognize this leitmotif?Known as the Imperial March, this theme plays whenever the evil Empire appears in
the Star Wars saga.
legacy
The Festspielhaus in
Bayreuth, Germany was built
specifically for staging
Wagner’s massive operas.
It still stands and is used
today! Now:
Then:
compositions(major operas)o Rienzio The Flying Dutchmano Tannhäusero Lohengrino Das Rheingoldo Die Walküreo Tristan und Isoldeo Die Meistersinger von Nuremburgo Parsifal
Wagner wrote orchestral overtures, choral and piano works as well, but they are not widely performed.
composition spotlightDie Meistersinger von Nurnburg: Overture
1868
Die Meistersinger von Nürnburg
Plot: Die Meistersinger von Nurnburg takes place in Nuremburg during the
Renaissance era (16th century). The “Mastersingers” are a group of men who share
poetry and music together, but are also master craftsmen (blacksmiths, cobblers,
etc.). Pogner, the master of goldwork, holds a singing competition for the right to
his fortune, and hand of his daughter, Eva.
Walther, a young knight, is in love with Eva and enters the competition. He fails, but
catches the attention of Hans Sachs, the master of bootmaking. Sachs aids Walther
in writing a song that will win Eva back.
spoiler alert!Die Meistersinger von Nurnburg: Finale
(Hans Sachs is singing. Walther marries Eva).
Click icon to add picture
see the performance!MASTERWORKS 1
Thursday, September 24, 2015 The Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra
also featuring Jan Lisiecki