WordStage Literary Concerts Presents RICHARD WAGNER'S VISIT TO ROSSINI – PARIS 1860

In 1860 Wagner went to Paris to arrange a performance of his new opera, Tannhauser at the Paris Opéra. While there he made the obligatory visits to the great composers living in and around the city. His visit to Rossini was memorable as the older Bel Canto school composer had reportedly made some very disparaging remarks about Wagner's music, so Wagner went with more than a bit of trepidation. These rumors proved to be false and what ensued was an afternoon of an exchange of musical ideas and reminiscences about their careers and accomplishments, in which they shared opinions on and cited influences of a number of the great composer of their era. All this was recorded by the Parisian musician and journalist, Edmond Michotte.

The conversation between these two musical giants yields a treasure trove of humor, sagacity, evaluations of other composers and their mutual admiration.

WordStage Company members Tim Tavcar and Pete Ferry will perform this lively dialogue between two musical masters - one retired as the monarch of the Bel Canto School, the other riding the new wave of unabashed über Romanticism. Their scintillating repartee will be underscored by their own transcriptions (for solo piano) of some of their most memorable music, which will be performed by Patrick Wickliffe.

A suggested donation of $10 is requested - but WordStage is maintaining its "Pay What You Can" policy in order to make our performances accessible to anyone who is interested in attending them.

For more information, visit www.wordstageoh.com or call us at 216-712-6926.

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