Wagner’s Cello – a talk by Dr. Richard Jenkins
This talk will investigate some of Wagner’s more idiosyncratic string writing and its influence on composers and performers of future generations. Examples of Wagner’s pioneering string writing can be found in abundance from the serene opening of Lohengrin, the scurrying semiquavers of Flying Dutchman or the Vorspiels to Act 1 of Tristan or Parsifal. Wagner’s affinity with the cello is evident in the lamenting solo from Act 1 of Walküre which naturally lends itself and inspires transcriptions. The talk will therefore also delve into the many transcriptions of Wagner by Popper, Casals and others.
Dr Richard Jenkinson is a cellist, conductor, and teacher. He was principal cello for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1998 – 2016, working with Simon Rattle, Sakari Oramo and Andris Nelsons, among others. In May 2012 Richard joined the Dante String Quartet as a cellist and has performed at the Wigmore Hall, King’s Place and also has given several live BBC Radio 3 broadcasts, in addition to touring France and Japan. He is the conductor of various amateur and youth orchestras, and received a PhD from the University of Birmingham in 2019 for a thesis on the music of Zoltán Kodály He is also a Wagner enthusiast!!!