Meaning of Meistersinger in Music
In music, the term "Meistersinger" refers to two distinct concepts:
1. **Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg**: "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" is a music drama, or opera, composed by Richard Wagner. It is also known as "The Mastersingers of Nuremberg" in English. The opera premiered on June 21, 1868, in Munich, Germany. It is the longest opera commonly performed, lasting nearly four and a half hours, excluding intermissions. The story revolves around a singing competition in Nuremberg and explores themes of art, tradition, and love. The opera is known for its rich orchestration, complex vocal writing, and intricate plot.
2. **Meistersinger Guild**: In the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, the term "Meistersinger" referred to a member of a German guild for lyric poetry, composition, and unaccompanied art song. These guilds, known as Meistersinger guilds, were composed of amateur poets and musicians who followed strict rules and traditions in their compositions. Meistersingers would participate in singing competitions and were judged based on their adherence to these rules. The Meistersinger guilds played a significant role in the development of German secular song and poetry during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
It is important to note that the term "Meistersinger" can have different meanings depending on the context. In the case of Richard Wagner's opera, it refers to the characters and storyline of the work. In the historical context, it refers to the guilds and their practices.
Sources:- 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Wikipedia'- 'Meistersinger - Wikipedia'
One of a guild of German musicians of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. The Meistersingers were usually of the professional class, and his musical status was strictly controled by the rules of the guild. There is no clear explanation of the source of the Meistersingers, although it is reasonable to say that they probably arose from the wandering troubadour tradition of earlier centuries. The Meistersingers also saw themselves as heirs to the aristocratic Minnesinger tradition that was declining as the Meistersingers arose. Many Meistersinger song texts survive, but only a very few melodies have been preserved.
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