Richard Wagner's comic opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg was written between 1862-67 while the composer was in the midst of creating The Ring cycle. The two could not be more different: a romantic, lushly lyrical love story with comic elements, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg is based on real people (notably, the poet Hans Sachs), places, and events, and features an overarching theme of the enduring superiority of German art (this is Wagner, after all). Filmed at the Bayreuth Festival, this 1999 production is directed by Wolfgang Wagner, grandson of the composer. Opening with graphics evocative of 16th-century Nuremberg, the narrative follows Walther, a knight (and, naturally, a tenor) who can only win the hand of fair Eva by entering a contest sponsored by the guild of master singers. Embarking on his “quest,” Walther is hampered by a rival named Beckmesser and aided by the fatherly master cobbler/poet Sachs. Ultimately, the treacherous Beckmesser (who steals Walther's song) receives his comeuppance, Walther wins his bride, and the opera concludes with the observation that even if the Holy Roman Empire fades, Holy German Art remains. As might be expected from a production filmed on home turf, this is a lovely interpretation, traditionally mounted, with a uniformly strong cast able to sustain the rigors of almost five hours of vocal demands. Robert Holl is warm and inspiring as Hans Sachs, and Peter Seiffert portrays Walther with heldentenor substance, while secondary characters acquit themselves handily, providing comic relief and adding balance to the ensemble pieces. Holding everything together is Daniel Barenboim, conducting the Orchestra of the Bayreuth Festival. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
(1999) 2 discs. 274 min. In German w/English subtitles. DVD: $39.99. EuroArts (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 23, Issue 5
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
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