One revelation at today's rehearsal. The lead bass singer, playing the character of Hans Sachs, said he has performed it 49 times at Bayreuth. He said they have a 'machine' there built especially for this 'laute' part. He didn't know whether it dates from Wagner's time, but it seemed 'very old'. It gives a loud brittle sound, and is played by the harp player. Can anyone take at trip to Bayreuth to verify???
I think I started an earlier email by saying, 'just when I thought things couldn't get any louder'...well, yesterday we were joined by my friend, John Kitchen, on the gigantic organ in the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Last time I performed with John we were playing Sor's seguidillas together with a singer. He was playing an 1820s piano, and I was drowning HIM out. For the first time in these rehearsals I was amplified - what a difference! Really enjoyed the rehearsal. Surprised to see microphones everywhere. Turns out the rehearsal and concert will be recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in future, date to be announced later. Concert tomorrow, Saturday, from 5pm to 11pm...Looking forward to it. Rob To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
