Dresden-born bass René Pape was recently honoured as a “Met Mastersinger”, a distinction shared only by Renée Fleming. Pape’s perfect diction, bel canto beauty of tone and psychological penetration make him one of today’s most capable − and celebrated – Wagnerians.

Assembled for this all-Wagner project, a matter of the heart to René Pape, is a prestigious team. Daniel Barenboim, renowned for the sensuality of his Wagner, conducts the Staatskapelle Berlin, the maestro’s long-time collaborators.

Excerpts from such Pape signature roles as Gurnemanz and the Rheingold Wotan are complemented by a terrific teaser of a part Pape has yet to reveal on stage − his eagerly anticipated Hans Sachs, the noble cobbler of Die Meistersinger.

In addition to scenes from Lohengrin, Tannhäuser and Die Walküre, a special treat features tenor Plácido Domingo with Pape in a scene from Parsifal.