'A Landmark in Musical History' is John Luke Rose's title for the introduction to this extraordinary piece of theatre. It belongs to the German tradition of mystical writing, and a short note on the poem itself by Martin Swales and Timothy McFarland elucidates some of Wagner's literary techniques. Anthony Negus, who assisted Reginald Goodall on the WNO production of Tristan and Isolde, has contributed a penetrating analysis of the musical structure of the opera, while Patrick Carnegy assesses the remarkable solutions to staging an opera which some argue is best experienced with your back to the performers.

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 9780714544106
Author Richard Wagner
Format Paperback
Page Count 130
Imprint Overture Publishing
Publisher Alma Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 146g