Wagner: Preludes and Interludes

Featuring

Fabio Luisi
Orchester der Oper Zürich
Richard Wagner

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Richard Wagner was considered a genius for his dramaturgical construction of works and his innovative treatment of the orchestra in opera.

Instruments

For 'Der Ring des Nibelungen', Wagner demanded an exorbitant orchestra, including specially designed 'Wagner tubas' played by horn players, which have a dark tone.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Wagner's development of the orchestral language opened new horizons, influencing composers like Anton Bruckner, Gustav Mahler, and Richard Strauss.

Compositional Technique

Wagner increasingly moved away from using the orchestra as mere accompaniment, giving it a prominent role as an essential element in his 'Gesamtkunstwerk' (whole artistic creation).

Compositional Technique

In the prelude to 'Lohengrin', Wagner broke from academic thought and early Romantic form, focusing on developing sonic substance and tonal atmosphere, a compositional approach not widely pursued until the 20th Century.

Performer Biography

Fabio Luisi, the conductor on this album, is the General Music Director of the Zurich Opera and Principal Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Composition History

Early works like 'Die Feen' and 'Das Liebesverbot' are important for tracing Wagner's development and influences, such as Carl Maria von Weber, Giacomo Meyerbeer, and Hector Berlioz.