Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was largely self taught in music.
The
Meistersingers from Nuremburg, completed in 1867, was his only comedic
opera, but this is not evident in the “Prelude to Act III.” These
powerful themes are transcribed with the orchestral cues and use the “thumbing
down” technique
for extra coloration.
Alfred Herbert Brewer was born in Gloucester, England, on
June 21, 1865. Unlike Wagner, he was highly educated and well-trained in music.
He studied organ with such teachers as Charles Villiers Stanford, he won scholarships,
he earned multiple degrees, he was awarded Hon.R.A.M. and F.R.C.O, and was
knighted by the king. He was a well-rounded musician who was able to bring
orchestral favorites to the organ in transcriptions that are approachable
and always easier to play than those by other well-known organists such as
Edwin Lemare. Moderately easy.