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Donald Macleod marks Sir Charles Mackerras’s centenary exploring his recording of the prologues and preludes to some of Wagner's best-loved music dramas.

Donald Macleod explores Wagner’s life through the lens of his dreams – musical, romantic, and revolutionary. In this special centenary tribute to conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras, we begin with Wagner’s early years: a headstrong youth with big ideas and a growing obsession with myth and music. Mackerras’s legacy as a conductor and champion of Wagner is woven through today’s programme.

Die Walküre, Act III, Scene 1: I. Hojotoho! Heiaha! – “The Ride of the Valkyriesâ€
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor

Tannhäuser, Overture and Venusberg Music
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Prelude
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor

Tristan und Isolde, Prelude to Act 1
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor

Götterdämmerung, Prologue: “Siegfried’s Rheinfahrtâ€
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor

Produced by Ellie Ajao for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Wales and West.

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Mon 17 Nov 2025 16:00

Broadcast

  • Mon 17 Nov 2025 16:00

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