"A professional musician was engaged in a discussion of Wagner in the corridor of the Metropolitan Opera House, while inside the orchestra was playing the 'Meistersinger' overture.
"'It is a pity,' said this wise man, in a condescending manner, 'but Wagner knows absolutely nothing about counterpoint.'
"At that instant the orchestra was singing five different melodies at once; and, as Anton Seidl was the conductor, they were all audible."
In a rare book by J.C. Wagenseil, printed in Nuremburg in 1697, are given four "Prize Master Tones." Two of these Wagner has reproduced in modern garb, the former in the Mastersingers' March, the latter in the Motive of the Art Brotherhood.
Act I. The scene of this act is laid in the Church of St. Catherine, Nuremburg. The congregation is singing the final chorale of the service. Among the worshippers are _Eva_ and her maid, _Magdalena_. _Walther_ stands aside, and, by means of nods and gestures, communicates with _Eva_. This mimic conversation is expressively accompanied by interludes between the verses of the chorale, interludes expressively based on the Lyric, Spring, and Prize Song motives, and contrasting charmingly with the strains of the chorale.
The service over, the Motive of Spring, with an impetuous upward rush, seems to express the lovers' joy that the restraint is removed, and the Lyric Motive resounds exultingly as the congregation departs, leaving _Eva_, _Magdalena_, and _Walther_ behind.
_Eva_, in order to gain a few words with _Walther_, sends _Magdalena_ back to the pew to look for a kerchief and hymn-book, she has purposely left there. _Magdalena_ urges _Eva_ to return home, but just then _David_ appears in the background and begins putting things to rights for the meeting of the _Mastersingers_. _Magdalena_ is therefore only too glad to linger. The Mastersinger and Guild motives, which naturally accompany _David's_ activity, contrast soberly with the ardent phrases of the lovers. _Magdalena_ explains to _Walther_ that _Eva_ is already affianced, though she herself does not know to whom. Her father wishes her to marry the singer to whom at the coming contest the _Mastersingers_ shall award the prize; and, while she shall be at liberty to decline him, she may marry none but a master. _Eva_ exclaims: "I will choose no one but my knight!" Very pretty and gay is the theme heard when _David_ joins the group--the =Apprentice Motive=.