Richard Wagner is remembered as one of the most influential figures in music and theatre, but his place in history has been marked by a considerable amount of controversy. His attitudes towards the Jews and the appropriation of his operas by the Nazis, for example, have helped to construct a historical persona that sits uncomfortably with modern sensibilities. Yet Wagner's absolutely central position in the operatic canon continues. This volume serves as a timely reminder of his ongoing musical, cultural, and political impact. Contributions by specialists from such varied fields as musical history, German literature and cultural studies, opera production, and political science consider a range of topics, from trends and problems in the history of stage production to the representations of gender and sexuality. With the inclusion of invaluable and reliably up-to-date biographical data, this collection will be of great interest to scholars, students, and enthusiasts.

Leading specialists explore a wide range of topics and issues surrounding the influential and controversial figure Richard Wagner.

About the Author
Thomas S. Grey is Associate Professor in Music at Stanford University.

Reviews
"This volume provides a balanced introduction to the composer's life, times, works, and reception. A useful chronology ... The repolitiizing of the 'Wagner question' is unquestionably one of this book's strengths and certain to make it compelling to a wide variety of readers." Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9780521644396
Author Thomas S. Grey
Format Paperback
Page Count 388
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 780g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 173mm * 24mm