Synopses & Reviews
One of the most controversial figures in classical music, Richard Wagner's influence reaches as far as the film Apocalypse Now. Written by leading music critic Michael White, this graphic guide looks at Wagner's complex life, capturing his caprices, cruelties, and anti-semitism.
Synopsis
A fascinating guide to the controversial life of Austrian composer Richard Wagner.
Synopsis
Wagner's operatic works rank with the supreme achievements of western culture. But acceptance of Wagner's musical genius is tempered by feelings of misgiving and many believe the composer's underlying ideas to be indefensible. A self-styled social revolutionary, Wagner thought the world could be redeemed through vegetarianism and Aryan philosophy.
Introducing Wagner: A Graphic Guide separates the composer's art from the ideas and the arrogant destructive personal behaviour of the man.
About the Author
Michael White was voted Britains least boring music critic by listeners of Classic FM. He has made documentaries about Menotti, Britten and Nielsen and once attempted to explain Wagner's Ring Cycle on TV in half an hour. He's the author of two books: Introducing Wagner (Icon) and Opera and Operetta (HarperCollins).