Ep 7. Great Performances at the Met: Wagnerians in Concert

Great Performances at the Met: Wagnerians in Concert is the seventh episode of the 49th season of the long-running PBS program, Great Performances. This episode celebrates the music and legacy of Richard Wagner, one of the most influential and controversial composers of the 19th century.

Wagner's music is known for its dramatic scope, rich harmonies, and sweeping melodies that express intense emotions and complex psychological states. His operas, such as Tristan und Isolde, Parsifal, and The Ring Cycle, have become some of the most iconic and enduring works of the Western classical tradition.

In this concert, a stellar roster of Wagnerian singers and musicians perform some of the composer's greatest hits, accompanied by the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The lineup includes some of the leading Wagnerian vocalists of our time, such as René Pape, Lise Davidsen, and Klaus Florian Vogt, as well as rising stars like Elza van den Heever and Brandon Jovanovich.

The program includes a selection of instrumental and vocal pieces from Wagner's most famous operas, as well as some lesser-known gems. The concert opens with the majestic Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin, a stirring fanfare that sets the stage for the soaring melodies and epic drama to come. This is followed by "In Fernem Land" from Lohengrin, sung by tenor Brandon Jovanovich, depicting the character of Lohengrin lamenting his separation from the love of his life.

Next, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton takes the stage to perform "Dich, teure Halle" from Tannhäuser, a joyful aria sung by the character of Elisabeth as she returns to her beloved hall of song. Throughout the concert, the singers showcase their mastery of Wagner's uniquely demanding vocal style, which requires a combination of power, agility, and expressiveness.

Other highlights of the concert include soprano Elza van den Heever's haunting rendition of "Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde, a soaring aria that captures the transcendental ecstasy of the characters' love affair. This is followed by bass René Pape's commanding performance of "Wotan's Farewell" from Die Walküre, a poignant aria in which the god Wotan bids farewell to his beloved daughter Brünnhilde.

The concert also features some delightful instrumental pieces, such as the "Ride of the Valkyries" from Die Walküre, a thrilling orchestral ride that captures the excitement and ferocity of the warrior maidens' flight. The Met Orchestra shines in these moments, revealing the depth and richness of Wagner's scoring, which often features multiple layers of instruments and complex harmonies.

At the end of the concert, the singers and musicians join forces for a rousing finale with "The Pilgrims' Chorus" from Tannhäuser, a triumphant ode to devotion and redemption. The audience rises to its feet in applause, acknowledging the virtuosity and passion of the performers who have brought Wagner's music to life.

Overall, Great Performances at the Met: Wagnerians in Concert is a thrilling tribute to one of the most important and enduring figures in classical music, showcasing the talents of some of the most exciting performers in the world today. Whether you are a fan of opera or simply appreciate great music, this concert is not to be missed.