"Die Meistersinger von N�rnberg (The Master-Singers of Nuremberg)" WWV 96 is a music drama/opera in three acts by Richard Wagner (1813-1883). Taking nearly four and a half hours to perform in its entirety, this opera is one of the longest that is commonly performed. It premiered on June 21st, 1868 at the National Theater in Munich, under the baton of Hans von B�low. Die Meistersinger tells the story of the mid-16th century guild of Meistersinger (Master Singers), which was a collective of amateur poets and musicians. It is also one of Wagner�s only comedic operas. Instrumentation: 2+1, 2, 2, 2 – 4, 3, 3, 1, timp, perc, hp, str.