Richard Wagner

Rienzi: Pantomime

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) wrote the five-act opera RIENZI, DER LETZTE DER TRIBUNEN (RIENZI, THE LAST OF THE TRIBUNES), WWV 49, was written in 1840, with a libretto by the composer after Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel of the same name. Set in Rome at the end of the empire, the opera was an immediate and great success following its premiere on October 20, 1842, premiere at the Semperoper Opera House in Dresen, and the opera launched Wagner's career. The PANTOMIME takes place in Act II, Scene 3, and was intended to tell the tale of the "Rape of Lucretia." The ballet is unique in that Wagner wrote it to be integrated into the action of the opera rather than just have it serve as a diversion for the audience. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.3: 4.4.3.1: Timp: Perc(3): Hp: Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).