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The Revolutionary

Donald Macleod charts Wagner’s revolutionary fervour and the fallout that changed his life.

Wagner’s dreams weren’t limited to music – he also imagined a new political order. Today, Donald Macleod explores Wagner’s involvement in the Dresden uprising of 1849, which led to his exile and a period of intense creative reflection. We hear how his radical ideas shaped both his politics and his operas, and how exile became a vessel for some of his greatest works.

Götterdämmerung, Act III: Siegfried’s Trauermarsch
Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra
Marek Janowski, conductor

Die Feen, Act II: Weh uns, weh!; O musst du, Hoffnung, schwinden
Alfred Reiter (Feenkönig), bass
Frankfurter Opern und Museumorchester 
Sebastian Weigle, conductor

Piano Sonata in B-flat Major, WWV 21, Op. 1 (ii. Larghetto)
Pier Paolo Vincenzi, piano

Lohengrin, Act III: Prelude and Bridal Chorus
Cheryl Studer (Elsa), soprano
Siegfried Jerusalem (Lohengrin), tenor
Wiener Philharmoniker
Wiener Staatsopernchor
Claudio Abbado, conductor

Das Liebesverbot, Act 1: Kennst du das Leid der Elternlosen; Herbei, betrognes Volk
Frankfurter Opern und Museumorchester
Chor der Oper Frankfurt
Sebastian Weigle, conductor

Produced by Ellie Ajao for Âé¶¹Éç Audio Wales and West.

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Richard Wagner

    Gotterdammerung, Act 3, Siegfried's Funeral March

    Orchestra: Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin. Conductor: Marek Janowski.
    • PENTATONE : PTC-5186 409.
    • PENTATONE.
    • 11.
  • Richard Wagner

    Die Feen, Act 2 (excerpt)

    Singer: Alfred Reiter. Orchestra: Frankfurt Opera House and Museum Orchestra. Conductor: Sebastian Weigle.
    • OEHMS : OC-940.
    • OEHMS.
    • 1.
  • Richard Wagner

    Piano Sonata in B flat major, Op 1 (2nd mvt, Larghetto)

    Performer: Pier Paolo Vincenzi.
    • BRILLIANT CLASSICS : 94450.
    • BRILLIANT CLASSICS.
    • 6.
  • Richard Wagner

    Lohengrin, Act 3, Bridal scene (excerpt)

    Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic. Choir: Vienna State Opera Choir. Conductor: Claudio Abbado.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON : 437808-2.
    • DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.
    • 1.
  • Richard Wagner

    Das Liebesverbot, Act 1 (excerpt)

    Orchestra: Frankfurt Opera House And Museum Orch.. Choir: Frankfurt Opera Chorus. Conductor: Sebastian Weigle.
    • OEHMS : OC-942.
    • OEHMS.
    • 5.

Broadcast

  • Tue 18 Nov 2025 16:00

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