Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Wagner: Rienzi, WWV 49, Act 1 Scene 1: “Dies ist eu’r Handwerk” (Rienzi, Orsini, Colonna, Baroncelli, Cecco, Raimondo, Chorus)” by Richard Wagner
Most people know Richard Wagner as one of the leading composers of opera in history. His works often sought to explore ideas of power, love, betrayal, and redemption. ‘Wagner: Rienzi, WWV 49’ is an opera written by Wagner that displays these themes and focuses on the lives of Rienzi, a political revolutionary, and his family.
In the song ‘Dies ist eu’r Handwerk’, the main character, Rienzi, is addressing his friends and family; namely the Orsini, Baroncelli, Colonna, and Cecco. He speaks of how he will take up arms to fight against their oppressors, which he sees as his sole mission in life. He declares that it is their duty to join him and that they must take up his mantle. Despite his peaceful nature, Rienzi is now ready to fight for what he believes in and is seeking allies to join him in this endeavor.
The song serves as a call to arms, inspiring those around Rienzi to overcome their fear and take a stand for a cause they believe in. Maybe this resonates with us in the modern day in regards to the fight to stand up for what is right and the courage it takes to lead.