Richard Wagner: A Life in Music
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.59 (648 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0226924610 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 464 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-07-21 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
"Erudite, Balanced, and Focused on the Music" according to John Deignan. The title of this book is (for once!) an accurate indication of what it contains - an in-depth, detailed, and extremely knowledgeable discussion of the music, rather raking over the coals of the the (over?) familiar biographical details. So for example, the early years of Wagner's life (up to Leubald) are addressed in a couple of pages, which is something of a surprise if you are expecting (as I was, initially) a more "conventional" biograp. A different biographical approach Geck's work follows Wagner's life chronologically and concisely while still contributing insightful commentary on his philosophies and music. At the conclusion of each chapter he includes a brief essay on different German Jewish figures in relation to die Meister. One wishes, however, that Geck were a little more discerning (they come across as vague and defensive) in his critique in these sections.. "ANOTHER book about Wagner?!" according to randolph fischer. In a field filled to overflowing with new studies of Wagner (surely the most written-about artist in history), Martin Geck's ANOTHER book about Wagner?! randolph fischer In a field filled to overflowing with new studies of Wagner (surely the most written-about artist in history), Martin Geck's 444-page work paddles desperately to keep from sinking under the hundreds of other volumes. Geck's book (translated bravely and capably from the 2012 German original by Stewart Spencer, a specialist in this composer) blends a chronological account of Wagner's developing intellect with analyses of each of his operas. I. ANOTHER book about Wagner?! randolph fischer In a field filled to overflowing with new studies of Wagner (surely the most written-about artist in history), Martin Geck's 444-page work paddles desperately to keep from sinking under the hundreds of other volumes. Geck's book (translated bravely and capably from the 2012 German original by Stewart Spencer, a specialist in this composer) blends a chronological account of Wagner's developing intellect with analyses of each of his operas. I. ANOTHER book about Wagner?! randolph fischer In a field filled to overflowing with new studies of Wagner (surely the most written-about artist in history), Martin Geck's 444-page work paddles desperately to keep from sinking under the hundreds of other volumes. Geck's book (translated bravely and capably from the 2012 German original by Stewart Spencer, a specialist in this composer) blends a chronological account of Wagner's developing intellect with analyses of each of his operas. I. -page work paddles desperately to keep from sinking under the hundreds of other volumes. Geck's book (translated bravely and capably from the 2012 German original by Stewart Spencer, a specialist in this composer) blends a chronological account of Wagner's developing intellect with analyses of each of his operas. I
People who would like to know more about Wagner, and people who have loved his music for years but would like to know more about why they do, will find a great deal in this book to enjoy and to admire.”. “Geck brings to his book on Wagner’s ‘life in music’ a rare combination of profound knowledge of Wagner and his work and an unfailingly intelligent capacity to select and to discriminate, so as to produce a clear account of all the operas and music dramas in the context of Wagner’s life and changing ideas
Using a wide range of sources, from contemporary scholars to the composer’s own words, Geck explores key ideas in Wagner’s life and works, while always keeping the music in the foreground. Geck discusses not only all the major operas, but also several unfinished operas and even the composer’s early attempts at quasi-Shakespearean drama.Richard Wagner: A Life in Music is a landmark study of one of music’s most important figures, offering something new to opera enthusiasts, Wagnerians, and anti-Wagnerians alike.. To befit such a dynamic figure, acclaimed biographer Martin Geck offers here a Wagner biography unlike any other, one that strikes a unique balance between the technical musical aspects of Wagner’s compositions and his overarching u