Themes of love and passion dominate these orchestral excerpts\nfrom Wagner’s music dramas. The legend of Tannhäuser contrasts the\nsensual allure of Venus with the ideals of courtly love and\nreligious devotion. Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg pits an inspired\nbut rash young singer against the traditions of the old masters in\na song competition, with a beautiful girl as the prize. Tristan und\nIsolde, based on one of the world’s great love stories, is\nconsidered Wagner’s most revolutionary work, seamlessly blending\nthemes of love and death into a shattering apotheosis. Gerard\nSchwarz’s other selections of Wagner excerpts can be found on\n8572767 and 8572768.

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