Product Description

Wagner is one of the most controversial of composers, and much that has been written about him--including his autobiography--is misleading. Barry Millington draws on the best previous scholarship and his own original research to set the record straight. The first part of this book is devoted to biography; the second, to a detailed study of the operas. Millington offers a historical review of the critical interpretation of each opera, including a discussion of recent methods of formal analysis. In this revised edition, two chapters, those on Tannhauser and Die Meistersinger, include significant new material. The bibliography has also been updated.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #312174 in Books
• Published on: 1992-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 356 pages

Review
Absolutely masterly. . . to summarize Wagner's life, influence, works, and the whole political, philosophical, and social argument around them, from the standpoint of 1985, and to do it with such lucid, engaging style. . . . It's a very good book. -- Review

Review
Millington has assimilated the discoveries of leading Wagner scholars of our day and presented them so lucidly that they will be understood and enjoyed by music lovers at large.
(Opera )

An account of the composer's life and career which is as close to the truth as we are currently able to get.
(Classical Music )

Absolutely masterly. . . to summarize Wagner's life, influence, works, and the whole political, philosophical, and social argument around them, from the standpoint of 1985, and to do it with such lucid, engaging style. . . . It's a very good book.
(BBC Music Weekly )

About the Author
Barry Millington is a freelance writer and music critic