The New Grove Guide to Wagner and His Operas

by Barry Millington

One of the most controversial figures in the history of ideas as well as music, Richard Wagner continues to stimulate debate whenever his works are performed. Drawing upon the scholarship of The New Grove Dictionary of Opera , the most comprehensive dictionary of opera in the world, Barry Millington offers a concise, portable survey and guide, which will make a welcome addition to the shelf of anyone who loves opera.
Millington has completely updated the original pieces and contributed four new chapters on Wagner, including a summary of Wagner productions from 1876 to the present day, a suggested listening and viewing gyide, complete chronology of Wagner's operas, and a glossary of terms that will delight any opera-goer. In addition, there are detailed entries on each of Wagner's operas, a main biographical section, and a group of separate articles on such topics as Leitmotif and Gesamtkunstwerk, as well as a newly revised updated article on Bayreuth.
Complete with a new preface, updated bibliography, glossary, and discography--including first release dates of each recording-- The New Grove Guide to Wagner and his Operas furnishes both seasoned Wagner-lovers and neophytes with all they require for an in-depth appreciation of this unique historical figure.

Genres: Music

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[teohjitkhiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bet, for most of us, our first encounter with Wagner would most likely either when attending weddings or watching Coppola's Apocalypse Now. While I'm not an opera fan, save for Mozart's singspiels, I did take a stab at the Ring Cycle - in particular the seminal 1976 Bayreuth performance on DVD - and was blown away by Das Rheingold. Ironic that the preliminary act was actually the last to be written by Richard Wagner. But its conception at that late stage bore some of the most beautiful & dramatic performances from Der Ring des Nibelungen. Yeah, I didn't bother with the remaining acts. Too much gloom, doom, & "screeching" (please forgive little ignorant me, oh opera aficionados!). What possibly taints Wagner's majestic operas is his anti-Semitic writings & that his operas - the Ring Cycle in particular - were co-opted by Hitler during his time in power. Nevertheless, this is a good primer to Wagner's works & for those whom are keen, the references at the end provides suggestions for various recorded performances from the author.

[Joshua Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice concise overview of Wagner's operas and a few good essays.