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Building a Library considers the available recordings of Wagner's opera, Die Meistersinger about the Mastersingers of Nuremberg, who have a great tradition of composing songs but have become stultified by their petty rules. A young knight openly questions their traditions, and with the help of the wise and humane cobbler, Hans Sachs he not only wins the singing competition but also the heart of the young Eva.

There is a strong field to choose from, including performances from Karajan, Kubelick and Jochum.

Top recommendation:

WAGNER: Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg

Thomas Stewart (Hans Sachs), Sandor Konya (Walther von Stolzing), Gundula Janowitz (Eva), Thomas Hemsley (Beckmesser), Gerhard Unger (David), Brigitte Fassbaender (Magdalene), Brigitte Fassbaender (Nachtwachter), Franz Crass (Pogner), Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Rafael Kubelik (conductor)

ARTS 430202 (4CD mid-price)