The Wagner Operas Podcasts is a series of short audio programs dedicated to the life and work of Richard Wagner. Listen in using your computer, or download them to your iPod. Click here to go to the Wagner Operas Podcasts.

Bayreuth 2007: Katharina's Meistersinger

The Bayreuth Festival opened with a much anticipated production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg directed by Katharina Wagner, daughter of Wolfgang Wagner. As the heir apparent to the family business, Katharina's new production shows that the Festival wants to continue breaking with the traditions of the past. For some, her new production is bold and innovative, while others have dismissed it as insulting Eurotrash. As you will hear, the boos and cheers mixed during this year's opening night.

Program Duration: 1 hour, 04 minutes, 48 seconds

Toscanini at Salzburg: The 1936 Meistersinger

Arturo Toscanini was the most sought-after conductor in the 1930's. He became the first Italian to conduct at Bayreuth, and would have continued performing there had the Third Reich not come to power in Germany. He left Bayreuth in protest and went to the Salzburg Festival. His complete recording of Die Meistersinger from 1937 is readily available, but the fragment that exists from a 1936 performance, taken from a shortwave radio recording, is very rare. We present this historical document in this podcast.

Program Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes, 42 seconds