When Richard Wagner developed his initial ideas for Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg in the mid-1840s, he had no intention of writing a monumental "festive opera". The work was intended to be a facile comedy, a jovial and humorous satyr play to place alongside his Tannhäuser, since – like Tannhäuser – reflections on art and artists are its focus. More than two decades later, he had a musical score that was one of the most extensive and multi-layered of his entire repertoire, and that aroused controversy.

The Mastersingers of Nuremberg

Bebelplatz

Repelled by the dispassion of the Wartburg society of minnesingers, Tannhäuser, a singer-knight, removes to the interior of the Venusberg in search of fulfilment. Eventually his longing for Elisabeth leads him to leave again. Back at the Wartburg castle, Tannhäuser takes part in a singing contest whose theme is the nature of love, but when he sings that love is ideally about sensual satisfaction, he is cast out and sent to Rome to seek papal absolution. He returns from Rome without the hoped-for indulgence and resolves to return to the Venusberg. Then a miracle occurs and he finds redemption after all.

Tannhäuser and the Singers' Contest at Wartburg

Deutsche Oper Berlin

EPSG:4326

Gala Concert Fabio Luisi

Opernhaus Zürich

Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis stands tall among the greatest sacred choral works, a monumental setting of the Mass text and the first piece performed in the then-new Symphony Hall in 1900. From soaring solo lines to striking contrasts — like the prayerful Agnus Dei interrupted by martial fanfares — Beethoven’s vision combines dramatic orchestration, virtuosic choral writing, and profound emotional depth.

Klaus Florian Vogt

Events

Upcoming events

5 - 10 Jul, 2025

Gala Concert Fabio Luisi · Opernhaus Zürich

9 - 11 Oct, 2025

Beethoven Missa Solemnis | Boston, Symphony Hall, & the BSO in 1900 · Boston Symphony Orchestra

Past events

1 - 22 Dec, 2024

The Mastersingers of Nuremberg · Staatsoper Berlin

Oct 5, 2024 - Apr 13, 2025

Tannhäuser and the Singers' Contest at Wartburg · Deutsche Oper Berlin

Future and recently performed repertoire

Singer in Missa solemnis by Beethoven

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Tannhauser in Tannhäuser by Wagner

Deutsche Oper Berlin

About

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