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Richard Wager a Legend
The German Hour brings you 'Richard Wagner a Legend' in German language. G.Y. Land made extensive research about the composer and his life that often was marred by talks about his mental state. Also his relationship with the Bavarian King Ludwig was a rather dubious affair as the rather mentally ill King supported the works of Richard Wagner. The pompous and ostentatious Operas and other works have been used in later times by the German Nazis to promote Germanics ancient History and Mythology and there was a parallel to the megalomaniac Adolf Hitler. From a psychological viewpoint Richard Wagner, King Ludwig, and Mr Hitler were rather week personalities suffering from some kind of manic depression.
Speaking about the works of Richard Wagner the most famous work is ' Der Ring the Nibelungen', The Ring Cycle. The entire Opera, which is made up by four operas combined is nearly 18 hours long and a pain to endure at the Bayreuth Wagner Opera House designed by the composer. Seats are without upholstery, bare wood to gain the acoustic and body and soul of the visitor is engulfed in a musical agony. As the Bayreuth Festival is an international Event whereby Kings and Queens, Industrials, Politicians, Movie Stars and also high level Criminals are participating every year. As a young person I had the misfortune to visit the Festspiele with my foster family. There are only two opinions about Richard Wagner either you like his music or you don't. I personally belong to the latter ones.
Participants in this Broadcast are:
Jochen Stossberg, GM Deutsche Gramophon-Universal-Philips, Wolfgang Meissner, Director Goethe Institute, Wolfgang Wiethoff, Culture Attaché German Embassy, G.Y. Land, Host, Author and Producer of the Program. Technical supervision and intro Dr. M.A. Hannah. The Program was broadcasted on the 360 Radio Stations of the CBAA, University Radio, Berlin, Germany, and syndicated Radio Stations via COMRADSAT Satellite. The 'German Hour' is available on CD and Cassette at the Library of your Goethe Institute and via the Internet.
