Die Meistersinger von Nurnberq
The only comedy among Wagner's mature operas, the story takes place in 16th-century Buremburg. The plot centres on the singing competition of the reaHife guild of Master Singers, an association of amateur poets and musicians. Eva, the daughter of one of the Master Singers, will be betrothed to the winner of the competition. Can the young knight Walther win her hand despite breaking the Master Singers' rules? Perhaps he can; but he will need the help of cobbler-poet Hans Sachs , who foils the attempts of the other contender, the arch-pedant Beckmesser.
Act1
Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor James Levine
6.30 Twenty Minutes: Beyond the Gilded Stage 2/6. From Napoleon to the 1848 Revolutions Author Daniel Snowman explores the social history of opera.
6.50 Act 2
8.10 Met Opera Quiz
Opera buffs pit their wits against teasers sent in by listeners.
Send questions to Met Opera Quiz. 30 Lincoln Center, New York, New York 10023 or via www.bbc.co.uk/radio3
8.45 Act 3
RT DIRECT: Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg
(4 CDs), with Elisabeth Schwarzkopf , Hans Hopf , Erich Kunz , Otto Edelmann and the Bayreuth Festival Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan , is available for E18.99 including p&p. To order please send a cheque, payable to Selections to: [address removed], or call the orderline on 0[number removed]25 (national rate), or visit www.selections.com/rtdirect Quote ref [number removed]. UK delivery only