Gratuitous Friday – Jonas Kaufmann Sings Rienzi

Rienzi Vowing to Obtain Justice... by William Holman Hunt

Wagner’s opera Rienzi was fairly successful when it opened. But it was long. Rienzi was only Wagner's third opera, so he was still writing in that Italian grand opera style. In fact Meyerbeer (I know, he's not Italian, but you get the idea) championed this opera when it was new. 

Subsequently, Hans von Bülow referred to Rienzi as "Meyerbeer's best opera,” and I don't think he meant it as a complement to either composer. 

Basically, as he developed his own voice, Wagner disowned Rienzi and it fell out of favor. So far, it’s never been performed in Bayreuth. It doesn't get much exposure anywhere else, either. But if the rest of the opera is as beautiful as this aria, we really need to hear more! Last fall Midge Woolsey did a piece about Rienzi for the Operavore blog. Check out her article for more reasons why (almost) no one ever presents the opera.  

This excerpt is from Jonas Kauffman’s new Wagner disc—one more good reason to pick up the CD or download the mp3s. 

Wagner: Rienzi - Allmächt'ger Vater, Blick Herab