Prologue
Donald Macleod marks Sir Charles Mackerras’s centenary exploring his recording of the prologues and preludes to some of Wagner's best-loved music dramas.
Donald Macleod explores Wagner’s life through the lens of his dreams – musical, romantic, and revolutionary. In this special centenary tribute to conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras, we begin with Wagner’s early years: a headstrong youth with big ideas and a growing obsession with myth and music. Mackerras’s legacy as a conductor and champion of Wagner is woven through today’s programme.
Die Walküre, Act III, Scene 1: I. Hojotoho! Heiaha! – “The Ride of the Valkyries”
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Tannhäuser, Overture and Venusberg Music
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Prelude
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Tristan und Isolde, Prelude to Act 1
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Götterdämmerung, Prologue: “Siegfried’s Rheinfahrt”
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.
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Richard Wagner
Die Walkure, Act 3, The Ride of the Valkyries
Conductor: Charles Mackerras.![]()
Richard Wagner
Tannhauser (Overture; Venusberg music)
Orchestra: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.- ABC CLASSICS : ABC-4812992.
- ABC CLASSICS.
- 1.
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Richard Wagner
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (Prelude)
Orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.- ABC CLASSICS : ABC-4816458.
- ABC CLASSICS.
- 1.
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Richard Wagner
Tristan und Isolde (Prelude to Act 1)
Orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.- ABC CLASSICS : ABC-4816458.
- ABC CLASSICS.
- 3.
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Richard Wagner
Gotterdammerung Prologue
Orchestra: Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Charles Mackerras.- ABC CLASSICS : ABC-4816458.
- ABC CLASSICS.
- 5.
Broadcast
- Mon 17 Nov 202516:00BBC Radio 3
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