Reflections on Wagner's Ring John Culshaw First Edition

by John Culshaw

The first 4 chapters are based on a series of intermission features on the Texaco Metropolitan Opera radio network broadcasts of the RING cycle during the 1974-75 season. The last chapter is expanded from an article in "Opera News". Photographs by Frank Dunand. 1). Introduction. 2). Das Rheingold. 3). Die Walkre. 4). Siegfried. 5). Gammerung. 6). The impossible vision.

Genres: Music

Hardcover

First published March 26, 1976

Reviews

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book (100 plus pages) on the Ring of the Nibelung by Richard Wagner. It is a compilation of four lectures (plus a chapter on production history and ideas about production and expense) that were presented, I think, on radio in 1975 for the Metropolitan Opera broadcast sponsored by Texaco. Each essay covers one of the Ring's operas. Although they assume some familiarity with the operas and some sense of interest and desire to learn more, they are very concise and informative. They are written in an easy style. Try it!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Were it not for a literal public outcry, this book would never have been published. So happy it was accomplished. I read this in one weekend, nearly half before leaving the library. Two things each person must do in a lifetime: experience the entire Ring Cycle and read this book.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first four chapters are essential reading for any viewer of "The Ring".