Synopsis
The Mastersingers of Nuremberg - English National Opera Guide 19 (includes libretto)
Published by John Calder Publications
'The longest single smile in the German language' has described The Mastersingers of Nuremberg - a double triumph for Wagner as composer of both the words and music of his only comedy
But Roland Matthews indicates that violence is not far beneath the surface of this genial portrait of mediaeval Nuremberg
Arnold Whittall's analysis gives a remarkable bird's-eye-view of the elaborate complexity of the score
Timothy McFarland explores the significance of the choice of subject: that nostalgia for a pre-industrial community, was a symptom of the nationalist movement that finally destroyed the ancient liberties of the German cities
The long text has many subtleties which opera audiences can hardly appreciate without reading it, and the musical themes are numbered to indicate where they occur
REVIEWS
'Brilliantly produced and superb value' ~ Sunday Times
'All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought' ~ Daily Telegraph
'Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series' ~ TLS