On receiving the score of Humperdinck's first opera, Richard Strauss wrote to the composer: "It has enchanted me. It is truly a masterpiece of the first order....". The opera, based on the stories of the brothers Grimm, proved to be an immediate success. Its fairy-tale story appeals to children as much as to adults, and its music continues to fascinate singers, conductors and directors the world over. During the interval Rodney Milnes continues his series Opera Snaps - a sideways glance at each of this season's Met operas.

Chorus and Orchestra of the New York Metropolitan Opera, conductor Charles Mackerras
Act 1
7.30 Interval: New York Collections
Dale Petroskey, president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, shows Tim Marlow around the collection which includes Babe Ruth's locker and the Doubleday baseball, the most sacred relic of the all-American game.
7.55 Opera Snaps
8.00 Act 2

(Broadcast Guide: For a free copy of the Met Broadcast Guide, call the BBC Information line on [number removed])