Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Lavish Wagner opera opens to boos in Berlin

Tony Paterson
Monday 21 March 2005 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bernd Eichinger, the German film producer whose movie Downfall about Adolf Hitler 's last days opens in London this week, endured boos and catcalls from audiences in Berlin for his lavish and bizarre production of Richard Wagner's opera, Parsifal.

Bernd Eichinger, the German film producer whose movie Downfall about Adolf Hitler 's last days opens in London this week, endured boos and catcalls from audiences in Berlin for his lavish and bizarre production of Richard Wagner's opera, Parsifal.

It was 55-year-old Mr Eichinger's first foray into the world of sopranos and 19th- century Teutonic heroes but the well-heeled crowd that turned up at Berlin's state opera house at the weekend for the premiere was not wholly impressed.

When the final curtain fell on the five-hour Parsifal production, Berlin's opera-goers erupted into a round of "bravos" that was matched by an equally loud outburst of boos and witheringly derisive comment from the critics.

"The music was wonderful, but the stage play was dreadful," remarked Thomas Flierl, Berlin's senator for culture. Wolfgang Wagner, the grandson of Richard Wagner, was equally dismissive: "I will wait a week and then see if I can remember anything about the production," he said.

Germany's Bild newspaper asked readers yesterday: " Parsifal - is it worth five hours of your time?" Mr Eichinger seemed to accept his critics' verdict. He appeared on stage to give a tortured smile. "I rather expected it," he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in