This comprehensive introduction to Wagner's opera 'The Mastersingers of Nuremberg' contains the complete libretto with numerous music examples. Kurt Pahlen comments on the work with music-related references as well explanations on the external and internal plot. A summary of the plot and a brief outline of the genesis bring 'The Mastersingers of Nuremberg' into relation with the composer's entire oeuvre and his life, thus providing comprehensive, richly illustrated information on this opera.

• Zur Aufführung
• Textbuch mit Erläuterungen zu Musik und Handlung
• Inhalt
• Zur Geschichte der "Meistersinger von Nürnberg"
• Wer waren die Meistersinger?
• Wer war Hans Sachs?
• Gedanken, Interpretationen, Quellen zu "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg"
• Biografische Daten aus dem Leben Richard Wagners
• Die Bühnenwerke Richard Wagners