Quiz Quest – Parsifal Out West

Who was the first to record music from Parsifal in 1902?

A) Robert Blass, bass
B) John Philip Sousa’s concert band
C) Berlin Philharmonic

Answer: B) John Philip Sousa’s concert band

Sousa’s band made the first recording of music from Parsifal in 1902, long before it was legally performed outside Germany. At the time, recordings weren’t covered by copyright law, so Sousa could record excerpts without Wagner’s widow’s permission.

Visit the North Grand Tier (2nd Floor) to discover more about the history of Parsifal in San Francisco and view the virtual exhibit at the link below.

Virtual Exhibit

Continue your search…test your Parsifal knowledge with the full quiz below
      Full Quiz