Richard Wagner (pronounced REE-kard VAAG-ner) is not for vussies. He totally reformed the art of opera, influencing Verdi, Saint-Saens and Puccini, among others. He was the cultural godfather of Hitler, which is why there are always problems performing his music in Israel. While he was a terrible person, there is no doubt that he changed opera forever.
The opera ”Parsifal” is based on the Arthurian legends of the Holy Grail, which in this story is an actual cup, not the bloodline of Jesus via his wife Mary of Bethany. This is long before Baigent and Dan Brown. Luciano Pavarotti’s manager once said of “Parsifal”, “The opera began at eight. Around midnight, I checked my watch and discovered it was only eight thirty.”
Wagner’s operas move slowly and are rather static. The voice, which is primary in Italian and French opera, takes second position to the orchestra in Wagner. When listening or watching a Wagner opera, the best thing to do is just kick back and wallow in the sound. Listen passively, and you’ll find it rewarding.
This particular number from “Parsifal” is connected with Good Friday, and Toscanini liked to conduct an instrumental version of this on that religious holiday.
Looks like some good wallerin’ music goin’ on tonight!
Happy Easter! :)