Synopses & Reviews
In contrast to most books on Richard Wagner, this biography focuses primarily on Wagner as an important figure in the development of the theatre. While his contribution to music history has been exhaustively documented and analyzed, his theatrical ventures, in particular the founding of the Bayreuth Festival, have not been the object of much research by English-speaking theatre historians. Nevertheless, the Festival was a crucial event in the development of the European theatre: while Bayreuth established the paradigm for all modern theatre and music festivals, the Festival Theatre itself has provided the most widely imitated architectural configuration in twentieth-century theatre building.
Synopsis
Here is Wagner as an important figure in the development of the theatre, in particular, the founding of the Bayreuth Festival, which established the paradigm for all modern theatre and music festivals.
About the Author
SIMON WILLIAMS is Professor of Dramatic Art and Director of the Interdisciplinary Humanities Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Preface
List of Abbreviations
Chronology of Wagner's Life
The Fiery Conformist
Bohemian in Paris
Kapellmeister in Dresden
Revolutionary in Exile
Romantic in Exile
The King's Friend
The Master of Bayreuth
The Dying Mage
Wagner's Legacy
Index