Travel tips for opera lovers – Siena and Wagner

Wagner and the cathedral of Siena

The series about historical places of opera art. Get to know exciting excursion and travel ideas for opera lovers. This time: Wagner and the Cathedral of Siena

All Destinations on google maps with links to detailed Blogposts:

Wagner in Siena

In 1880 Wagner spent beautiful and productive days in Siena. He spent a few days at the invitation of Baron Sergardi in his villa outside Siena.

LINK TO THE COMPLETE WAGNER BIOGRAPHY

TO THE TRAVEL GUIDE PO VALLEY, EMILIA ROMAGNA; TOSCANA FOR OPERA AND CLASSIC LOVERS

Destination Siena Cathedral

The dome of Siena Cathedral was a great inspiration for Wagner for the hall of Montsalvat for his “Parsifal”. He tried to recreate the dome of the cathedral and the floor for the upcoming world premiere in Bayreuth.

https://operaduomo.siena.it/it/

The dome of the cathedral (CC see link below):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_(Siena)_-_Dome_interior.jpg

Musical background: the Holy Communion scene from “Parsifal”

The entry of the knights into the hall of Montsalvat under the great dome is accompanied by long, overwhelming music. The choral music is sung by visible, moving choral groups, as well as by invisible choral groups resounding from above.

This scene is one of the absolute highlights of Wagner’s work.

Link to this scene:

https://opera-inside.com/parsifal-by-richard-wagner-the-opera-guide-and-synopsis/#Nun