Operas of the world

Wagner's 'Lohengrin' is described as a 'great romantic opera' in which Wagner opens up two completely different worlds for the listener. On the one hand, there is the mystical world of the Knight of the Grail which could be described as embodiment of the Christian element in 'Lohengrin', and on the other hand, there is the opposing magical world of Ortrud. Wagner had studied the origins of the medieval legend of the Knight of the Swan intensively for years, with Wolfram von Eschenbach's work certainly being the best source for Wagner's libretto.
Apart from the libretto, this edition contains introductory commentaries of Kurt Pahlen who also adds information on the compositional structure and context to the musical as well as external and internal dramatic action of the opera. A short synopsis and a brief outline of the genesis bring the work into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and life, thus offering a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction.
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