Posted on 01/08/2013 8:19:15 AM PST by Borges
It’s apt that Wagner and Verdi were born in the same year. They are romantic opera’s two great antipodes, united in stature, but divided in almost everything else. They embody two completely different outlooks on life and art, which are rooted in the cultures of their respective nations. That’s why every German city has a Wagnerstrasse, and every Italian one a Corso Giuseppe Verdi.
Though their supporters often did battle, the composers warily avoided each other. Verdi had a grudging respect for Wagner, but he warned younger Italian composers against following the Wagnerian path. Wagner wouldn't even grant Verdi that much distinction, though there were more Italianate traits in him than he liked to admit. Both cast a long shadow over opera during their lives and afterwards, and in Wagner’s case the shadow extended even further, to politics and the arts in general. Two hundred years later, it’s easy to think the nationalist passions have cooled. But the recent row over Daniel Barenboim’s decision to open La Scala’s season with Wagner instead of Verdi showed that they’re still there, just waiting to burst out.
And what about the wider world? Does one still have to be a Verdian or a Wagnerian, or have we learned how to love both? I asked some distinguished opera-lovers and practitioners to give their views.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Classical Ping
Wagner!!!
Better French Horn parts!
Wagner.
Next question?
But where does one find an alpenhorn?
I’m a musical dilettante but Verdi is one of my favorite composers. His requiem is some of the strongest most hair raising music ever created. Though I like Wagner, I read that you have to be German to truly get him.
Wagner. He’s German and liberals hate him. If Adolf liked him he’s gotta be cool.
(just propagating the liberal myth)
Kill the Wabbit !!! Kill the Wabbit !!!
actually I like Verdi’s Requiem..
With my sword and magic helmet!
I just like the music.
Joe Green.
Wider array of all styles.
Wagner. A man one biographer called “meaner than Hitler,” but a great composer.
Rhinelander, eh?
Hard to imagine you casting your vote for Verdi.....
Don't get me wrong...I love the more romantic Verdi and never tire of listening to his magical music.
Leni
Ditto
Opera stars have really been trimming down over the years. It’s nice to see. She looks pretty good - well, for an opera singer.
I’m probably the ony FReeper who has sung the operas of both of these titans on some of the great stages of the world. Comparing the two is a waste of time and fools who insist that either is greater only reveal their ignorance.
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