Wagner: Rienzi Overture | Giuseppe Sinopoli and the Staatskapelle Dresden

It is probably Wagner's most brilliant opera introduction: the overture to “Rienzi.” Here it is performed by the Staatskapelle Dresden conducted by Giuseppe Sinopoli. The performance was in honor of the 450th anniversary of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden (the Saxonian Staatskapelle Dresden). It was celebrated by the renowned German orchestra with a gala concert at the Semperoper Dresden on September 22, 1998.

“Rienzi, the Last of the Roman Tribunes” (WWV 49) is a tragic opera which was composed by Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883) between 1838 and 1840. It is one of Wagner's early works and is mostly written in the style of the French grand opera but also has Italian influences. It already points ahead to Wagner's romantic operas and even to his later “music dramas.” “Rienzi” premiered in Dresden in 1842 and was Wagner's first great success.

The libretto is based on a novel with the same title by Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803 – 1873). The story is set in late medieval Rome. Rienzi rises above the corrupt elites of Rome, establishes a state with a liberal constitution according to the ancient Roman model, gets elected to the tribune of the plebs and becomes a celebrated victor and hero. However, soon his followers turn against him, and his ending is tragic as he dies with his sister in the flames that engulf the Capitol.

The overture is the most famous part from Wagner's “Rienzi,” and anticipates all the motifs in the opera. It begins with a prolonged trumpet note, through which the fate of the title character is foreshadowed: The seemingly impinging fanfare is reduced to a rather mournful-sounding lonely note. The overture's extremely melodious main theme alternates from the violin’s devotional prayer (02:14) to a heroic song of triumph in tutti (04:03) to a playful, light dance of the strings (06:53). All in all, the overture has motifs of military music, with fanfares, marches, and plenty of brass.

“Rienzi” was Adolf Hitler's favorite opera. For his 50th birthday, Hitler was even given the original score from the estate of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Hitler had it played at party conventions. After World War II, opera houses shied away from the opera, but gradually it was re-established and today the Overture is considered a popular concert piece.

Giuseppe Sinopoli (1946 - 2001) was an Italian conductor and composer, but he had also studied medicine, psychiatry, and anthropology. He was about to receive his Laurea in Archeology, but he died a few days beforehand. His career as an opera conductor began in 1978, when he interpreted Verdi's “Aida” in his very own, unique way. After stints as music director in Rome and London, he became the principle conductor of the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden from 1992. On April 20, 2001, Sinopoli suffered a heart attack during a performance of Verdi's “Aida” at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. He died shortly after.

The Staatskapelle Dresden was founded in 1548 by Elector Moritz of Saxony and is one of the oldest and most traditional orchestras in the world. Since its foundation, the Staatskapelle Dresden has been led by many important conductors, and many internationally acclaimed musicians have played with them. In addition, numerous famous composers have written works that have been premiered by the Staatskapelle. The Saxonian orchestra is based in the Semperoper Dresden.

A co-production of MDR, NHK, & EuroArts
© 1998 MDR & EuroArts

Watch more concerts in your personal concert hall:
   • LISTEN AND WATCH - your personal conc...  

Subscribe to DW Classical Music:
   / dwclassicalmusic  

#richardwagner #rienzioverture #giuseppesinopoli