One can't judge Wagner's opera 'Lohengrin' after a first hearing and I certainly don't intend hearing it a second time: Rossini
Very droll -- but in fairness Rossini and Wagner were in a famous flame war (I know that's anachronistic). And Lohengrin is magnificent when properly performed.
When properly performed... that's the problem. I have loved Italian and French opera since childhood, developed a liking for zarzuela in my twenties and, at 59, I am just starting to like Wagner. I'd heard his work here and there over the years but with internet and YouTube in particular, I finally have the opportunity to hear Wagner properly performed.
This weekend I listened to Tristan, and then went on YouTube to search for my favorite Liebestod. My problem with Wagner is its overbearing intellectual quality. These days no singers that I know of can sign it like this - with the full range of emotion supported by flawless technique:
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When properly performed... that's the problem. I have loved Italian and French opera since childhood, developed a liking for zarzuela in my twenties and, at 59, I am just starting to like Wagner. I'd heard his work here and there over the years but with internet and YouTube in particular, I finally have the opportunity to hear Wagner properly performed.
This weekend I listened to Tristan, and then went on YouTube to search for my favorite Liebestod. My problem with Wagner is its overbearing intellectual quality. These days no singers that I know of can sign it like this - with the full range of emotion supported by flawless technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dfbZ6S6DU4
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