From the Memoirs of Marianne Brandt (on the First Productions of Operas by Richard Wagner and Anton Rubinstein)

Abstract

This article introduces the reader to the memoirs of German singer Marianne Brandt (1842- 1921), one of the prominent opera vocalists of her time. During her long-standing career asa principal singer with Berlin Court Opera (Hofoper), she toured widely and performed at the world’s leading opera venues, taking part in more than a few outstanding productions. One of Brandt’s great successes was the role of Leah in Berlin’s first performance of Anton Rubinstein’s opera “Die Maccabäer” (1875). She also took part in the first two Bayreuth festivals. Richard Wagner had a chance to recognize Brandt’s talent when she sang in Berlin’s premiere of “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” (1870). A few years later he invited the singer to take part in the first performance of “Ring des Nibelungen” at Bayreuth Festival (1876). Later she also sang the role of Kundry in the first performance of “Parsifal” (1882). The manuscript of the singer’s memoirs, comprising 52 chapters, is kept in her private archive at Vienna City Library. It has never been published as a single piece. This publication includes five chapters devoted to the most remarkable episodes of Brandt’s career: her collaboration with Rubinstein and Wagner. The memoirs provide a contemporary account of important musical events of the nineteenth century. They describe the work on opera productions; portray musicians with whom the author worked, such as composers, conductors, singers, and their milieu; and revives the atmosphere of first Bayreuth festivals. The publication is accompanied by detailed commentary and visual material.