THE BAYREUTH FANFARES have become an audience favorite since they were implemented by Richard Wagner himself. The fanfares are a way of calling the audience back to the Festspielhaus, announcing that the hour long interval is coming to an end.

Traditionally, fifteen minutes before the beginning of an act, eight brass players appear on the balcony, and play a leitmotif from the upcoming act. Minutes later they come out to the balcony again, and play the same theme twice. Finally, minutes before the act is about to begin, they appear for the last time and they intone the, by now familiar, leitmotif thrice. It is a novel way to alert the audience that the show will continue soon, and they must all return to their seats before the doors are locked. No latecomer is allowed entrance once the show begins.

Richard Wagner himself designated the fanfares, and he adapted his own leitmotifs for the eight man brass ensemble.

Below you will find videos of the fanfares for some of Wagner's work. They were taken on my trips to the Festspielhaus in 2012, 2017 and 2018.