Decoding Wagner : an introduction to his world of music drama

b/w version of the original upload In this guide to Wagner and his works, Thomas May explores the world of this deeply misunderstood figure and cultural icon whose influence extends to all the arts. Challenging commonly held assumptions, May serves as a guide to the great emotional power in Wagner's art and presents a straightforward overview of what Wagner attempted to achieve with his "artwork of the future." Lively discussions of his major works place them in the context of his life and consider the interplay of dramatic and musical elements with Wagner's unique philosophical ideas. Two accompanying CDs trace Wagner's growth as a composer, revealing the expressive richness that continues to make his art compelling and relevant for contemporary audiences. - Back cover. "In this guide to Wagner and his works, Thomas May explores the world of this deeply misunderstood figure and cultural icon whose influence extends to all the arts. Challenging commonly held assumptions, May serves as a guide to the great emotional power in Wagner's art and presents a straightforward overview of what Wagner attempted to achieve with his "artwork of the future." Discussions of his major works place them in the context of his life and consider the interplay of dramatic and musical elements with Wagner's unique philosophical ideas." "Two accompanying CDs trace Wagner's growth as a composer, revealing the expressive richness that continues to make his art compelling and relevant for contemporary audiences."--Jacket Introduction : What's all the fuss? Setting the stage : Wagner's emergence as an artist Navigating a way into Wagner : Der Fliegende Holländer What kind of love to sing? Tannhäuser Making contact : the tragedy of Lohengrin The world's breath : Tristan und Isolde A touch of madness : the creative spirit and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Total artistic clarity : an overview of the Ring cycle Shimmering enigmas : Das Rheingold The heart of the matter : Die Walküre Coming of age : Siegfried In the end is the beginning : Götterdämmerung Made wise through compassion : Wagner's swan song Parsifal Coda Chronology A basic glossary Bibliography and suggested reading CD track listing

A music writer and commentator on the Web, radio, and print media, May argues that German composer Richard Wagner's (1813-83) operas are much richer, and therefore more artistically daring and dangerous, than the standard cliches about them suggest. He places each of his major operas in context, and considers his art as the amalgam of drama and music that it was for its creator. The two disks trace his development as a composer. There is no index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This guide aims to unlock the world of Richard Wagner and his works, his monumental achievements, and, ultimately, the great emotional power inherent in his art. Decoding Wagner presents a straightforward, fresh overview of what Wagner attempted to achieve with his artwork of the future. Two accompanying full-length CDs illustrate and trace his growth as a composer. The key to approaching Wagner is to realize that, above everything else, he is a man of the theater.