Description
Composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883) likely suffered from a manic-depressive disorder but in his time very little was known about mental illness, and suicide was not a topic for general discussion. Wagner was often plagued by extreme mood swings; he used his operas, especially the librettos, to express himself and his personal difficulties.
This investigation of the suicidal themes in Wagner's life and operas--Die Fliegender Hollander, Tannhauser, Lohengrin, Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger, the Ring cycle, and Parsifal--shows how manic-depressive illness, particularly the depressive part of it, affected Wagner's life and art. It also analyzes the influence of Giambattista Vico's theories of cycles (and how these theories appeared in Wagner's work), suicide as a theatrical and operatic phenomenon, and the way in which the theme of suicide has appeared in other works of the literary and performing arts.
About the Author
John Louis DiGaetani, professor emeritus of English at Hofstra University, is the author of numerous books about opera and theater.
Reviews
"quite a lot to admire about this book"-Opera Quarterly; "thoughtful, readable, and informative book...interesting throughout"-Wagner Notes.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786414772
Author John Louis DiGaetani
Format Paperback
Page Count 203
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 277g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm
![Wagner Outside the""Ring: Essays on the Operas, Their Performance and Their Connections with Other Arts by John Louis DiGaetani 9780786434008](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-zkx5lhzlf8/images/stencil/444x444/products/2756008/2755346/9780786434008__29455.1714750785.jpg?c=1 "Wagner Outside the""Ring: Essays on the Operas, Their Performance and Their Connections with Other Arts by John Louis DiGaetani 9780786434008")
