The Wagner Festspielhaus
in Bayreuth

His output for music theatre having taken on revolutionary dimensions not only in the length of his compositions, but also in the refinement of orchestral techniques, libretto, interpretive potential, stage technology, and demands on the human voice, Richard Wagner felt it necessary to realize his own conception of a working theatre, which should be built to his unique specifications and be located in surroundings conducive to undistracted performance and enjoyment, or even celebration of this high art form.

Of particular interest is Wagner's idea of the "invisible orchestra", enabling the music to magically appear as from nowhere, without visual distraction. He achieved this by having the orchestra pit constructed in different terraces, descending downward away from the conductor and under the stage (see picture below). This unique construction has obvious acoustical implications, which were doubtlessly intended by the "Meister". The visual and acoustical covering of the revolutionarily large orchestra enables the musicians to play with a romantic intensity, at times even ferocity, while not overpowering the singers.

For further information, please refer to the article "Glimpses of Walhalla" in The ITA Journal, Volume 27, Number 4, Fall 1999