Das Rheingold, the opening of Wagner's four-part Ring of Nibelung, stands out as more genteel and picturesque than the others. But it immediately establishes the huge scale of the overall work, and the extraordinary musical language that will be displayed throughout. It is a miracle of musical history that Wagner's 1850 conception could be brought to completion, in an organic whole, some twenty-five years later. Stewart Spencer discusses the way in which Wagner fuses genuine mythology with his own invention and John Deathridge places the opera in the context of The Ring and its century.

About the Author
Richard Wagner (1813-83) was a composer who drew inspiration from Christian and Nordic mythology, as well as the philosophy of Schopenhauer, to pioneer dramatically new forms of music. His concept of the "Total Artwork" led to the construction of the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, an opera house he designed specifically for productions of his own operas. He also wrote widely on music and art. His operas include Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg and the four parts of Der Ring des Nibelungen.

Reviews
Brilliantly produced and superb value. * Sunday Times * All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought. * Daily Telegraph * Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series. * TLS *



Book Information
ISBN 9780714544366
Author Richard Wagner
Format Paperback
Page Count 100
Imprint Overture Publishing
Publisher Alma Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 148g