PRESENTATIONS AND BACKROUND INFORMATION ON WAGNER AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICE

Setting the tone for the concert performance of »Die Walküre« and presenting the project »The Wagner Cycles«, the introductory program for »Die Walküre« offers intriguing insights into the research and rehearsal process for this historically informed performance of the tetralogy, into instruments and vocal techniques, as well as background information on Wagner and his work, all delivered by academics involved in the project.

Introductory Program: »Die Walküre«

1 pm
»A Revolution Made of Love and Blood. The Dresden Roots of ›Die Walküre‹«
Dr. Wolfgang Mende

2 pm
»Speech – Singing – Declamatory Singing. Theory and Practice of Wagner’s Vocalism«
Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Ursula Hirschfeld and Prof. Dr. Thomas Seedorf
Musical performances by Clara Elies (Soprano) and Florian Sauer (Baritone)

3 pm
Introducing Wagner’s Instruments
Prof. Bernhard Hentrich
Musicians of the Dresdner Festspielorchester and Concerto Köln:
Thomas Jahn (Oboe)
Alexander Scherf (Cello)
Antje Thierbach (Oboe)
Stefan Rapp (Timpani, Percussion)

4 pm
Introduction to the »Walküre« Production
PD Dr. Kai Hinrich Müller and Prof. Dr. Friederike Wißmann