Interest to know Rienzi ...

After half a century of visits to Wagner operas, I thought that this year the bicentennial was the right opportunity to make the acquaintance of his early works: The Fairies, The defense of love and Rienzi. I have not been disappointed, because if these learning operas are not the same level as his following works, The flying Holandais, Tanhauser and Lohengrin, it's pretty exciting to look for in the announcement of the first three leaders come out of.

This recording of Rienzi, the most comprehensive to date without being full, has undeniable strengths: the "forces" of Dresden Staatskapelle in particular, making it very bearable multiple marches and processions. As the chorus, he demonstrates mastery already acquired by Wagner, orchestral and choral masses, some of which are reminiscent of Lohengrin.

The performers are of quality, starting with René Kollo. It's always a pleasure to find Theo Adam and Peter Schreier, the two stars of the GDR. Note that the role of Adriano is held by a soprano, as in the creation: this gives a special charm to duets with Irene, soprano too.

To get into the work of Wagner, the opera is not advisable. But for the amateur familiar with the masterpieces that followed, it is a very interesting discovery. And this recording gives a beautiful image.

A French translation (Nuitter and Guilliaume) is available on Gallica and a full score on IMSLP, with some differences from that record.