Richard Wagner’s ‘Rienzi’ from Bayreuth Festspielhaus, Germany on WHRO-FM

This Saturday, French conductor Nathalie Stutzmann made history conducting the first-ever production of Richard Wagner’s early opera “Rienzi’ at the Bayreuth Festival for its 150th-anniversary season. Wagner's early grand opera is very different from the mythological “Ring.” Inspired by the story of “Cola di Rienzo,” it is a political drama about power, idealism and the collapse of a popular leader.
Rienzi, a Roman politician, rises to power promising to restore freedom and justice to Rome. The people initially adore him, but the aristocratic families resist his reforms. As Rienzi becomes increasingly authoritarian and isolated, the people who once supported him turn against him. Rome descends into violence, and Rienzi ultimately dies with his ideals—and much of Rome—destroyed. At the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, “Rienzi” finally gets the scale its dramatic story demands. Crowds, political demonstrations, religious ceremonies and violent confrontations all play an essential role in bringing this grand political drama to life.
The cast includes dramatic tenor Andreas Schager in the demanding title role, which requires extraordinary power and stamina. Schager's heroic tenor is particularly suited to Rienzi's transformation from charismatic political idealist to increasingly isolated and authoritarian ruler. Soprano Gabriela Scherer is Irene, Rienzi’s sister, caught between family loyalty, political conflict and love. Scherer's soprano brings lyrical beauty to the character while giving her enough dramatic strength to stand alongside Wagner's powerful male voices.
This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., tune in to WHRO-FM 90.3 and enjoy spectacular music, heavily influenced by French grand opera, with large choruses, ceremonial scenes and powerful orchestral writing. Don’t forget that you can also listen online via our Media Player.