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What began with single birds cumulated in something like an operatic version of The Birdcage -- think of red high heel shoes, or a group of blue-striped sailors with little caps on, or girls with curlers shaving their legs, or a group of cheerleaders jumping around on stage. Richard Wagner would turn in his grave, probably, if he knew what happened to his Meistersinger.

A scene from 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg' at the 2004 Munich Opera Festival. Photo: Bayerische Staatsoper
A scene from 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg' at the 2004 Munich Opera Festival. Photo: Bayerische Staatsoper

Meistersinger is the traditional finissage of the Munich Opera Festival. Something where many old couples go to year after year, each time celebrating themselves as connoisseurs of cultural assets in general and of Wagner in particular. What a shock when the red velvet curtain opens following the grandiose overture and there is Eva in a mint green costume and -- horrible to say -- Walther, the youngest descendant of the old Franconian Knights of Stoltzing, with cowboy boots and a pony tail.

Robert Dean Smith (right) as Stolzing in 'Meistersinger' at the 2004 Munich Opera Festival. Photo: Bayerische Staatsoper
Robert Dean Smith (right) as Stolzing in 'Meistersinger' at the 2004 Munich Opera Festival. Photo: Bayerische Staatsoper

To make it short: It becomes even worse. St John's Day is an orgy, with either petting or fighting boys and girls all over the stage. Beckmesser uses a ghetto blaster for his serenade. The night-watchman is a vagrant, complete with shopping cart and plastic bags. The parade for the festival looks like a caricature of Love Parade. Conversation during one of the breaks: 'Shall we leave? This nonsense is unbearable!' ... 'I just close my eyes and try to concentrate on the music.'

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Copyright © 22 August 2004 Sissy von Kotzebue, Munich, Germany

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