by Richard Wagner Sung in German with projected English translations
Feb. 15, 18(m), 21 & 24, 2007
(Note Special Times: 7:00 pm eves/1:30 pm matinee)
A long awaited Dallas Opera premiere!
Wagner’s first great masterpiece centers on the Legend of the Holy Grail. A
medieval noblewoman falls in love with a mysterious knight who appears during
a time of crisis. The pair eventually wed and although the bride, Elsa,
has promised not to ask his name, her desire to know the truth about her new
husband becomes overwhelming. Is Elsa prepared to risk everything for
an answer that could break her heart and doom her marriage forever? Click here to learn more.
Where have I heard THAT before?
You may have heard Lohengrin’s famous Bridal Chorus at your
own wedding, but if not, you can also catch it in Beaches (1988), Out
of Africa (1985), Celebrity (1998), Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001), My
Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), Meet the Parents (2000), Crush (2001),
and Father of the Bride (1991). You might even have noticed
the Prelude to Act III in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate
Events.
Recommended Listening: Wagner: LOHENGRIN – Jess Thomas,
Elisabeth Gruemmer, Christa Ludwig; Rudolph Kempe on EMI # 67411 (Recorded
in 1962).
Recommended Viewing: Another Warner Brother’s classic
cartoon and unforgettable spoof of all things Wagnerian, “What’s
Opera, Doc?” Bugs Bunny, in blonde Brünnhilde braids, perched
on the back of a bilious white horse, is worth the price of a rental.
Conversation Starter: Wagner had no musical training and
showed no interest in either music or theater until he was fifteen years old. His
experience of Beethoven ’s Fidelio and the Ninth Symphony made
him instantly decide to do whatever was necessary to become a great composer.
