Composer of the Week - Richard Wagner (1813-1883) - Episode 3

Donald Macleod concludes his examination of the dark sides of Wagner, and explores his shocking views about race, looking at what the composer himself wrote about this subject, including the essay Judaism in Music. Many commentators have argued that his racism is also revealed in his operas, especially The Mastersingers of Nuremberg. Donald examines the issues alongside music from the opera. Die Meistersinger von Nurnburg Hans Sachs, Cobbler ...... Bernd Weikl (baritone) Veit Pogner, Goldsmith ...... Kurt Moll (bass) Kunz Vogelgesang, Furrier ...... Michael Schade (tenor) Konrad Nachtigall, Tinsmith ...... Hans Wilbrink (baritone) Sixtus Beckmesser, Town Clerk ...... Siegfried Lorenz (baritone) Fritz Kothner, Baker ...... Hans-Joachim Ketelsen (baritone) Balthasar Zorn, Pewterer ...... Ulrich Ress (tenor) Ulrich Eisslinger, Grocer ...... Hermann Sapell (baritone) Augustin Moser, Tailor ...... Roland Wagenfuhrer (tenor) Hermann Ortel, Soap Boiler ...... Rainer Buese (bass) Hans Schwarz, Stocking Weaver ...... Guido Gotzen (bass) Hans Foltz, Coppersmith ...... Friedemann Kunder (bass) Walther von Stolzing, Knight ...... Ben Heppner (tenor) David, Sach's Apprentice ...... Deon van der Walt (tenor) Eva, Pogner's Daughter ...... Cheryl Studer (soprano) Magdalene, Eva's Nurse ...... Cornelia Kallisch (mezzo-soprano) Night Watchman ...... Rene Pape (bass) Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper Bayerisches Staatsorchester Wolfgang Sawallisch (conductor) EMI 7243 5 55142 2 6, CD 1 Trs 1-2; CD 2 Trs 1-4; CD 4 Trs 8-13.