One can only assume that total global economic collapse isn't imminent if Angela Merkel felt free to enjoy a full day of Wagner at the opening of the Bayreuth Festival. Or perhaps she loves her Wagner a little too much? ("No, Mr. President, you can't check in with Merkel, it's the middle of Act II.") In any case, here she is at the end of the second intermission of Tannhäuser, with brass players delivering the traditional take-your-seats signal.
