Themes of love and passion dominate these orchestral excerpts from Wagner’smusic dramas. The legend of Tannhäuser contrasts the sensual allure of Venuswith the ideals of courtly love and religious devotion. Die Meistersinger vonNürnberg pits an inspired but rash young singer against the traditions of theold masters in a song competition, with a beautiful girl as the prize. Tristan undIsolde, based on one of the world’s great love stories, is considered Wagner’smost revolutionary work, seamlessly blending themes of love and death into ashattering apotheosis. Gerard Schwarz’s other selections of Wagner excerptscan be found on 8.572767 and 8.572768.
