Wagner fever

Not for the first time in my life (!), I find myself gripped by Wagner fever.

I went to the Royal Opera's preview performances last week and 1) hated Rheingold just as I did three years ago, 2) loved Walkure just as did three times before and 3) was bowled over by Gotterdammerung (an opera I normally struggle with).

I will be seeing Siegfried on Sunday and Gotterdammerung again on Tuesday (which I'll be reviewing, Dave having done the other three).

Love him or hate him (and you have to have sat through a considerable amount to credibly be in the latter category), you have to admit he has an extraordinary power to grip and intoxicate.

I'm really aware that not to take advantage of the current run (there are some returns and tickets on eBay) means not having the chance to experience this extraordinary thing for maybe a long time to come.

Comments

[Michael]

I've yet to see any of the Ring cycle. Or indeed anything by Wagner. It sounds long. Would you recommend relative opera novices to catch something else Wagnerian before attempting these three?

[SimonT]

Good question. I got into opera via Wagner when I was about 16, which is going in at the deep end (but maybe I'm a bit weird). There is a danger of being put off for life if you see the wrong thing first. Maybe it's best to listen to some on CD and get your head round it before plunging in to a 6 hour opera live. I'm not sure I'd recommend the current RO production as an introduction - it's far too wayward but you have to grab the chances when they come along.

[Ben Hogwood]

I must admit Wagner is the composer I still have the most trouble with. Not for any sinister reasons, but just that I don't yet seem to be able to take too much of his music without feeling completely saturated! Simon, I'd be interested on your thoughts as to what is the best Wagner opera to start with? I know the overtures well and love them a lot - Die Meistersinger especially - but always seem to come a cropper when setting out on a full opera!

[SimonT]

Hi Ben. That's such a difficult question. One feels a responsibility in recommending because you could be put off for life. Maybe, Flying Dutchman is a good starting point because it's relatively short, varied and very tuneful. But you get a good taste of what Wagner is about and it can be joyous to hear/see. Die Walkure is the most overwhelming experience and is perfectly structured but it has its difficulties - long sections that really stretch the attention. Once you can get past that, it's the best but may not be the easiest way in. Excerpts can help but at some point you have to make the leap.