Intelligence Squared The Sunday Debate: Verdi vs Wagner
Jan 9, 2022
Norman Lebrecht, a British cultural commentator and advocate for Verdi, faces off against novelist and critic Philip Hensher, who champions Wagner. They dive into the contrasting legacies of these two opera giants, highlighting Verdi's emotional depth and wider appeal versus Wagner's psychological complexity and elitism. The debate is electrifying, exploring Verdi's struggles and triumphs, alongside Wagner's moral dilemmas and transformative influence on music. Both guests engage passionately, showcasing the rich tapestry of operatic history.
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Verdi's Hebrew Intuition
- Norman Lebrecht's epiphany with Verdi came at age 11.
- His music teacher demonstrated how "Va, pensiero" perfectly fits the original Hebrew psalm.
Wagner on Vinyl
- Philip Hensher's Wagner epiphany involved Sheffield City Library's record collection.
- He'd listen to Reginald Goodall's Ring Cycle recordings, sparking a deep fascination.
Verdi vs. Wagner Bias
- Verdi is often unfairly dismissed as a simple tunesmith compared to Wagner's perceived intellectual depth.
- This perception creates a bias against Verdi.