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Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the German composer Richard Wagner...
and some special celebrations of his music are taking place in Korea.
Our Park Ji-won tells us more.
The KBS Symphony Orchestra,.. together with the Wagner Society in Korea,.. co-hosts a
special concert featuring some of Wagner's most well-known pieces on Wednesday evening.
The program includes the overture to "Tannhauser," and the first act of "The Valkyrie,".. one
of the four operas constituting Wagner's monumental "Ring Cycle."
Here's guest conductor Kai Rohrig.
"With Wagner, it's probably,... the first contact is less easy. But then, when you're
in the world of Wagner, and you get to know the pieces very well, the dimension changes,
and you get familiar with the psychological and intellectual development of the characters."
Earlier this month, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra celebrated the birth of the musical
genius in a concert on May 7th.
Maestro Chung Myung-whun,.. who is renowned for his impeccable interpretation of operatic
works,.. conducted some of Wagner's most significant pieces,.. including the prelude to "Tristan
and Isolde."
Korean fans can now enjoy a Wagner opera at movie theaters as well.
Wagner's final opera "Parsifal" is now playing at Megabox theaters nationwide.
The theater chain is now showing a recording of the opera as it was performed at last year's
Salzburg Festival.
Despite the lingering controversy over his influence on Nazi thinking... and antisemitic
writings,.. Wagner's achievements in advancing the musical language,.. with his epic operas..
and rich and elaborate orchestration,.. are still celebrated around the world.
In Korea, too, the festivities celebrating the 200th anniversary of Wagner's birth will
continue throughout the year.
Park Ji-won, Arirang News.