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0:00:33 > 0:00:37- Welcome to Bayreuth, the town - which lauds the music of Wagner.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Thank you for joining me - on my classical journey.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- My travels begin in Nuremberg, - an hour's journey from Bayreuth.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- It was here that Adolf Hitler - and the Nazi Party...
0:01:02 > 0:01:05- ..asserted their power - in their evil rallies of the 1930s.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- I can almost hear the sound - of the marching boots.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- The other sound people - would have heard at the rallies...
0:01:17 > 0:01:22- ..was the music of Hitler's - favourite composer, Richard Wagner.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- The connection did - Wagner's reputation no favours...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..but the man himself - expressed extreme views.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- He was one of classical music's - complicated characters.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- Wagner's major opera, - Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg...
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- ..was set in the 16th century...
0:01:44 > 0:01:47- ..when the city - was a prominent centre for the arts.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- The meistersingers - were craftsmen and choristers.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- Die Meistersinger - lasts four and a half hours...
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- ..and is a majestic uplifting opera.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- It's a travesty that the Nazis laid - claim to such magnificent music.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- Wagner's weaknesses are renowned.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13- He was an egotist and a womanizer - who caused his two wives misery.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- He also had delusions of grandeur.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Undoubtedly, Wagner was one of - the greatest composers of all time.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- He wrote 13 operas, - most of which were long...
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- ..and some - which explored the meaning of life.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- He also incorporated German folklore - and mythology into his operas.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- The fact they were notably German - greatly appealed to Hitler...
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- ..as he endeavoured - to establish the Third Reich.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- Hitler's career began in Bavaria.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- When he first came to Germany - in 1913 he lived in Munich.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- He attracted attention - following the First World War...
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- ..for his rousing - nationalistic rhetoric.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- The Nuremberg Rallies - began in 1927...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- ..and continued for 10 years.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- They were blatant - Nazi Party propaganda.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- Wagner wasn't responsible - for the events which ensued...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..but his beliefs - and his music appealed to the Nazis.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- These days, it is the beauty...
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- ..history and culture of Wagner's - world that is so appealing.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- At its centre - is the town of Bayreuth.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- It was there that Wagner - built his world-class opera house.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43- It's a short journey from Nuremberg - to our next destination, Bayreuth.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- Bayreuth possesses - its own history and charm.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- It is the capital of Upper Franconia - and dates back to the 12th century.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It welcomes - opera lovers the world over...
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- ..to its two supreme opera houses.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- Richard Wagner carved a niche - for Bayreuth in the world of opera.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- This town also has a long history.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- It was founded by the Bavarians - in the 12th century.
0:04:17 > 0:04:22- It evolved from a small town when - the German aristocrats settled here.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Like many other towns in Bavaria, - it was first established as a fort.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- The river was an important feature, - encompassing the Roter Main.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- In the 18th century...
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- ..a Prussian princess - succeeded in turning Bayreuth...
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- ..into a noble town - worthy of a monarchy.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- You'll notice that Bayreuth differs - from the other Bavarian towns...
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- ..we have already visited.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- A lady called Wilhelmine - was responsible...
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- ..for introducing - the Baroque and Rococo styles.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- The Baroque architecture of the town - square has miraculously survived.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Wilhelmine - commissioned this opera house...
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- ..although it was designed by the - Italian, Giuseppe Galli Bibiena...
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- ..and constructed by a Frenchman.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- This was once - the largest opera house in Germany.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- The plain facade - doesn't prepare you...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- ..for its elaborate interior.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Who would argue with those...
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- ..who claim this is one of the most - magnificent Baroque opera houses?
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- It has been inspired - by an Italian theatre design...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- ..with the loges - facing the royal box.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- Wagner had heard about - Wilhelmine's grand opera house...
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- ..and came to Bayreuth - to see if it befitted his operas.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- The stage was ideal - but lacked space for the orchestra.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- Wagner was so fond of the town that - he built his own opera house here.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- We must first explore Wagner's - history before his opera house...
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- ..in order to understand - his musical journey.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Wagner was rather self-important.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- In the 19th century, when staging - an opera was a huge struggle...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..he had debts - spiralling out of control...
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- ..and could never have dreamed - of becoming so successful.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- His first wife, Wilhelmine, known - as Minna, was a beautiful actress...
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- ..but the two - had very little in common.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- His music - was far too morose for her.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- She once claimed - in a letter to a friend...
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- ..that he would never be able - to compose pleasant music.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- Minna was fed up - of their financial woes...
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- ..and of his mistresses giving him - money as well as their affection.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- In spite of this, - he was still penniless.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- During the mid 19th century, he lost - one of the few jobs he had...
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- ..for taking part - in a republican riot.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- A foolish act, considering - he was employed by the king.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Since he faced - being arrested or executed...
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- ..he fled initially to Paris - and then to Switzerland.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- He spent 12 years in exile - before he could re-enter Germany.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- His womanizing - continued in Switzerland.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- He became involved - with a generous patron...
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- ..who provided - a roof above his head.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- It was during this time that - he started composing his epic...
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- ..the Ring cycle.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- Creditors and jealous husbands - forced him back to Paris.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- In the end, - Minna finally had enough.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- She left Wagner and returned - to Dresden where she died in 1866.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- He began a relationship - with Cosima von Bulow...
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- ..the daughter of Franz Liszt, who - was younger than him and married.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Her husband, Hans, - was a well-known conductor...
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- ..who had presented - many of his own works.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- But this didn't prevent him - from losing his wife.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Wagner's lovers - had inspired much of his work.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- We should thank Cosima - for the beautiful Siegfried Idyll...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..which he presented to her - on her birthday in 1870...
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- ..when they lived in a luxury villa - on the banks of Lake Lucerne.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- A villa on Lake Lucerne? - How had his luck changed so much?
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- He had found someone - who appreciated him...
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- ..more than any of his mistresses - and his two wives.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- A melancholy young man...
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- ..called Ludwig Otto - Friedrich Wilhelm...
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- ..who was crowned King of Bavaria.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Wagner's operas excited him and he - was determined to help his hero...
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- ..fulfil his potential.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- Wagner returned to Germany - and all his debts were paid.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- He was given money - to stage his operas...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- ..and build - the opera house in Bayreuth.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Over the following 20 years...
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- ..it's claimed that Ludwig gave the - composer more than 500,000 marks...
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- ..which is a hefty sum, - even in today's terms.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- One of the most notable examples - of Ludwig's wealth is this castle...
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- ..above the village of Schwangau - in south-west Bavaria.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Schloss Neuschwanstein...
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- ..was inspired by - the mythology in Wagner's operas...
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- ..and by medieval romanticism.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- It provided the basis for - every fairy-tale castle since then.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Ludwig erected three large castles - during his reign...
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- ..but he was deposed - on the grounds of insanity...
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- ..and his uncle came to the throne.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- There were angry skirmishes - in Neuschwanstein...
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- ..before Ludwig was imprisoned - in Berg Castle on Lake Starnberg.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- A few days later, the bodies - of Ludwig and his psychiatrist...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..were discovered - floating in the lake.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- Their deaths - have never been explained.
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0:11:36 > 0:11:36- Subtitles
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- It was here in Wartburg, Eisenach, - that Ludwig, King of Bavaria...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..came up with the idea - for Neuschwanstein castle.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- Wagner's opera, Tannhauser, - is set in Wartburg.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- A little over a century ago, a - museum dedicated to the composer...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- ..was opened - at the foot of the castle.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- There are some 20,000 objects - in the Reuter Wagner Museum...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- ..which belonged - to a private collection...
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- ..acquired by the town of Eisenach.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- The villa was once the home - of author Fritz Reuter.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- The collection contains paintings, - statues, letters, posters...
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- ..and a library of 5,000 books...
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- ..which is the second - largest collection after Bayreuth.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Let us enjoy - an excerpt of Die Walkure...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- ..the second opera - in the Ring cycle by Wagner.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- As we return to Bayreuth, let us - explore this grand opera house...
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- ..inspired and designed by Wagner.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- At times Wagner was penniless.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- He was imprisoned several times - for unpaid debts.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- So how was he able to build - an opera house such as this?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- It was the people of Bayreuth - who donated the land.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Wagner had a keen admirer - and generous patron.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- Ludwig II of Bavaria provided - the funding for Festspielhaus.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- It was enough to convince his - subjects that their king was insane.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- In 1876...
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- ..Richard Wagner finally had - the opera house he had coveted.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- It opened with the premiere...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- ..of the complete Ring cycle.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29- In the audience were doyennes - of 19th-century classical music.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Gounod...
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- ..Bruckner, Liszt - and Saint Saens - what a line-up!
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- It leaves a lasting impression - on audiences and performers alike.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- Apart from its size, Festspielhaus - is famed for its acoustics.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- The interior is mainly wood.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Wagner wanted to create - what he called a mystic gulf...
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- ..between the audience and the stage - so that the orchestra was hidden...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- ..giving the illusion - the stage was further away.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- As the orchestra was hidden...
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- ..the audience could focus - on the stage performance.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- It corrected the balance of volume - between singers and orchestra.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- When I think about Wagner...
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- ..powerful operas spring to mind...
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- ..with plenty of singers and actors - requiring a large stage.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- This is what you call - an exceptionally large stage.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- Hitler attended Wagner's festivals - regularly in the 1920s and 1930s.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- He was so fond of Wagner's music...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- ..that the composer's - blatant anti-Semitism...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- ..made him popular among the Nazis.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- At the same time as - the opera house was being built...
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- ..a new house was built - for the couple in the town.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Villa Wahnfried - was Wagner's family home until 1966.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Ten years later - the museum was opened.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- Half the house was destroyed - during WWII and had to be rebuilt.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- A substantial extension was added.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Wagner managed to keep - the builders of Bayreuth busy.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- When Hitler - became Chancellor in 1933...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- ..he was a regular visitor - to the festival.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- He also contributed financially.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- In exchange, Hitler received - the support of Winifred Wagner...
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- ..the widow of Siegfried, - the composer's son.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- She was born in England.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- Hitler was also fond of Wahnfried, - Wagner's home in Bayreuth...
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- ..and was a guest there.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- By the end of WWII, - Bayreuth paid the price...
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- ..for having affiliations - with the Nazis.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Two-thirds of the city was bombed.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- It took 10 years or more for - the festival to lose the stigma...
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- ..and the music - to be the focus once again.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- The German word Wahnfried - means peace from delusion...
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- ..which perhaps is a reflection - of how its owner looked at life.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- He initially wanted to call it - Ergersheim, house of troubles.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- This is King Ludwig keeping vigil.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Or rather he is - watching over his investment.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- The graves of Richard and Cosima - can be found in the back garden...
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- ..though Cosima lived on for - another 47 years after his death.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- It was Wagner's wish for the grave - to be unadorned and unmarked.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- Next to him is the small grave - of his beloved dog, Russ.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- It reads, "Here is where - Russ Wagner lies and keeps watch."
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Next door - is the museum of Franz Liszt.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- The numerous rooms take us through - the composer's illustrious career.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Liszt was a supporter - of Wagner's music...
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- ..although he was angered - when his daughter, Cosima...
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- ..left Franz von Bulow for Wagner.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- He refused to speak to her - for many years.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Three years after Wagner's death - in 1883, they made up...
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- ..inspiring Liszt - to move to Bayreuth that year...
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- ..for the Wagner festival.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Although in poor health - when he arrived...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- ..he insisted on - hearing the performances.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- His health deteriorated and he died - in this house on 31 July.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- The place - connects this remarkable town...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..with another - of classical music's great talents.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Liszt was a star - and an incredibly handsome man.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- He retained his looks in old age.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Painters - were keen to paint his portrait.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- They call this the Virtuoso Room.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- In here is an Ibach concert piano - which belonged to Wagner...
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- ..when he wrote the Parsifal opera.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- The museum gives us an idea....
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- ..of the composers - with whom Liszt was acquainted.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Chopin, Hector Berlioz, - Franz Schubert...
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- ..the Schumanns, - Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg...
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- ..Camille Saint Saens - and Bedrich Smetana.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- It's a comprehensive journey through - classical music's golden era.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05- Richard Wagner's life ends in a way - befitting one of his operas.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- He was staying in Venice where it's - claimed he continued his womanizing.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- His mistress was a woman - from the Parsifal chorus.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Cosima came to Venice - to confront her.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- As Wagner sat at his desk...
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- ..writing a letter of apology - to his long-suffering wife...
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- ..he had a fatal heart attack.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- The quill fell from his hand...
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- ..and written on the paper - was "love and tragedy".
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- Wagner's opera house was erected - at the summit of the Green Hill...
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- ..so that it overlooked the town - which had embraced his designs.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- The theatre can be seen from afar - with a driveway leading up to it.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- The tranquil park - surrounding the buildings...
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- ..was opened in the 1920s.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- In a sheltered garden lies the busts - of Wagner, Cosima and Franz Liszt.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- They are strangely haunting.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- This palace - was built two centuries ago.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- Nowadays it is - a very remarkable piano factory.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- Steingraeber & Sohne is a respected - name since it was founded in 1852.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Both Wagner and Liszt - were customers.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Wagner - was full of praise for the pianos.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- He said they were better - than any other he had ever seen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Praise indeed.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- The 205 Steingraeber model...
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- ..is a direct descendent - of the piano made for Liszt in 1873.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- All the best musicians and composers - came to the Steingraeber factory.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- The place is renowned - in classical music circles.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- Every five years, a new production - of the epic Ring cycle...
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- ..Der Ring des Nibelungen is staged.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- The tickets - are very difficult to acquire.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- To be successful, you have - to apply for them every year...
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- ..or you'll end up - at the back of the queue.
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- Wagner's great-great-granddaughters, - Eva and Katharina now run the place.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- Bayreuth is integral - to the history of classical music...
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- ..in particular opera.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Wagner had his flaws - but his determination...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- ..to establish opera - as an unforgettable experience...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- ..continues to attract audiences - 130 years on.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- As a location, - Bayreuth is hard to beat.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- It is a truly classical town.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- The history of Wagner's life - is as amazing as his major works.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- There is no denying the importance - of the music he left behind.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51- .