Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg

I've always loved and appreciated Wagner, and alongside Tristan Und Isolde, Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg is my favourite of his, though I love all his operas. Meistersinger is one of his longest but also his most "entertaining". This production was a true joy for me, not quite as good as the 1984 Weikl and Prey and 2001 Heppner and Mattila performances but infinitely better than the irritating 2008 Katharina Wagner-directed one, of which the performances of Beckmesser and Walther were the only redeeming qualities. The costumes and sets are handsome in detail and look, not completely accurate historically but the fact they looked great more than make amends. The picture and sound quality are fine, and while the still views in the Acts 1 and 3 preludes annoyed me a bit Brian Large's video directing shows focus and creativity. Gotz Friederich's stage direction not only seldom has a dull spot in it(my favourite was the full-of-life mêlée in Act II) but succeeds in making the characters human. The orchestra play with a beautiful and spirited sound throughout while showing sensitivity for the Quintet, the chorus are splendid and Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgo as conductor treats the score with respect and feeling. The principals are wonderful. Wolfgang Brendel is great as Hans Sachs. He is not one of my favourites in the role(on DVD it's Bernd Weikl, of all time it's Friederich Schorr), but his Sachs is human and completive and he sings beautifully, giving the monologue Wahn Wahn Uberall Wahn lyrical sensitivity. Eva Johanssen is a youthful and suitably winsome Eva, and vocally I found her at her best in the opening lines of the Quintet, her singing there was of soaring elegance. Gosta Winbergh's Walther is full of beautiful, thrilling singing(the Prize Song) and nobility, Victor Von Halem is an imposing Pogner and as Magdalene Ute Walther is knowing and sometimes saucy. Uwe Peper's David is slightly long-in-the-tooth but he is still very characterful as the apprentice. Lenus Carlson and Barry McDaniel are added bonuses also, but my favourite was the Beckmesser of Eike Wilm Schulte, the whole performance is splendidly-characterised and he makes the most of his challenging vocal line. Overall, a real winner of a Meistersinger. 9/10 Bethany Cox