| Author |
Shaw, Bernard, 1856-1950 |
| Title |
The Perfect Wagnerite: A Commentary on the Niblung's Ring
|
| Note |
Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Perfect_Wagnerite
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 57.1 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
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| Credits |
Produced by Dianne Bean, and David Widger
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| Summary |
"The Perfect Wagnerite: A Commentary on the Niblung's Ring" by Bernard Shaw is a commentary written in the early 20th century that analyzes Richard Wagner's monumental opera cycle, "The Ring of the Nibelung." In this work, Shaw aims to clarify Wagner’s ideas and the philosophical themes present in the operas, particularly addressing the complexities of the characters and the social critiques woven throughout the story. Shaw's insights cater to both Wagner enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with the deeper meanings behind the operatic narrative. The opening of the commentary consists of Shaw’s preface to the first edition, where he lays out his intentions in writing the work while addressing the misunderstandings he perceives in audiences regarding Wagner’s art. He discusses the inadequacy of previous interpretations and stresses that understanding Wagner requires a grasp of his revolutionary ideas, which emerged against the backdrop of the political upheavals in 19th-century Europe. Shaw emphasizes that “The Ring” is not a mere mythos but a reflection of contemporary societal dilemmas, positioning Wagner as a figure who challenged norms through both music and ideological thought. Throughout this section, Shaw establishes a comprehensive foundation for the intricate analysis that follows, engaging the reader in a deeper exploration of Wagner's operatic genius. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
MT: Music: Musical instruction and study, Composition
|
| Subject |
Wagner, Richard, 1813-1883. Ring des Nibelungen
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| Subject |
Opera
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1487 |
| Release Date |
Oct 1, 1998 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Mar 26, 2017 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
234 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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