Conductor, B. Walton O'Donnell
Wagner's opera Rienzi, based on Butwer Lytton 's novel, was sketched out in 1838 and received its first performance at Dresden in 1842. The overture is based on several of the chief themes in the opera, such as Rienzi's prayer, which is announced after the short and solemn introduction ; the cry of the Romans for freedom (heard in Act I), which is followed by the theme of the ' Sancto Spirito Cavaliere ' (Act III) on the trombones ; and lastly, the theme of the finale of Act II which is dance-like in character. This material is then developed with considerable vitality and colour.