Set in 16th Century Nuremburg, the story explores the annual song competition and rivalries of the Guilds that controlled the city. Pogner, the goldsmith, will give his daughter’s hand in marriage to the winner of the song contest, Walther von Stolzing wishes to take part but fails to understand the archaic rules and regulations that surround the entrants. He is, of course, already in love with Eva. Hans Sachs, the shoemaker, schools him in the requirements and encourages the newcomer to share his ideas. This brings us to Wagner’s main theme, what is art and how do we define it?
This fascinating double bill, directed by Andrew Sinclair, is a strong representation of the works of Mascagni and Ruggero, both first performed in the 1890’s. Sung in Italian with English surtitles both pieces are very focused on presenting the darker side of life.