Die Walkure (The Valkyrie): (English National Opera Guide 21) (English National Opera Guides)

English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original. "Things like this are written only for people who have good powers of endurance (so really for nobody!)," wrote Wagner about Die Walküre. Yet, as Geoffrey Skelton points out, the opera has enjoyed a separate popularity and existence from the Ring cycle. George Gillespie shows just how the string of mythical events was converted into a drama remarkable for its concentrated excitement and fine construction. Barry Millington introduces the web of motifs in the complex score. The English version, with Elizabeth Forbes's translation of the verses that Wagner did not eventually set to music but retained as footnotes to his published version, is by acclaimed translator Andrew Porter. Things like this are written only for people who have good powers of endurance (so really for nobody!)', wrote Wagner about Die Walküre. Yet, as Geoffrey Skelton points out, the opera has enjoyed a separate popularity and existence from the Ring Cycle. George Gillespie shows just how the string of mythical events was converted into a drama remarkable for its concentrated excitement and fine construction. Barry Millington introduces the web of motifs in the complex score. The English version, with Elizabeth Forbes's translation of the verses that Wagner did not eventually set to music but retained as footnotes to his published version, is by acclaimed translator Andrew Porter. Contents: A Conflict of Power and Love, Geoffrey Skelton; Chronology of the Composition of ‘The Valkyrie'; An Introduction to the Music of ‘The Valkyrie', Barry Millington; New Myths for Old, George Gillespie; Translating ‘The Ring', Andrew Porter; Die Walküre: Poem by Richard Wagner; The Valkyrie: English translation by Andrew Porter A landmark in the history of opera, Die Walküre is the most popular and most frequently performed opera among those that make up the Ring Cycle. It contains some of Wagner's best-known and memorable music and stands alone as a complete work. This present edition reproduces the full orchestral and vocal score in a clear, modern engraving with large, legible notation for easy reading and study. Do not confuse this with a piano rendering; it is the full orchestral score -- nothing has been left out. Perfect for study, this score is also indispensable for anyone listening to record sets or broadcasts. In no other manner can the listener keep full awareness of the orchestral richness of this opera. - Back cover. CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS A Conflict of Power and Love Chronology of the Composition of The Valkyrie New Myths for Old Translating The Ring Thematic Guide The Valkyrie Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Bibliography Discography