Penetrating Wagner's Ring: An Anthology (Da Capo Paperback) [Paperback]

John Louis Digaetani (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1991 | Series: Da Capo Paperback

Wagner's Ring cycle - "The Ring of the Niebelung" - has been described as one of the most enduring of operatic spectacles. This collection has brought together writings on the Ring and includes articles by George Bernard Shaw, Georg Solti and Andrew Porter, excerpts from Wagner's own letters and works and discourses by over 30 other writers. Covered is the tetralogy of the Ring - "Das Rheingold", "Die Walkuere", "Siegfried" and "Goetterdaemmerung" - in essays on Wagner's intention, the theory behind it, its interpretation, artistic backgrounds, historical influences, literary sources, musical architecture, modern stagings, the "Ring" in English and various styles of performance. The book is designed to serve as an introduction to the "Ring" as well as a companion to fans and performers of Wagner's operas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 454 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Pr (April 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306804379
• ISBN-13: 978-0306804373
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,756,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stimulating, June 9, 2008

By 

Twal (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Penetrating Wagner's Ring: An Anthology (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

Until recently, Wagner's ring has been difficult for most of us to penetrate. Access to his darkest area has traditionally been restricted to those lucky few capable of maintaining strong, determined strokes of scholarly investigation.

Happily, DiGaetani provides everyone - including the most intellectually well-endowed amongst us - with the tools needed to effortlessly prize apart Wagner's ring and plunder its forbidden contents. DiGaetani's main thrust shows that perseverance and a firm-hand are all that is needed to enter Wagner.

Oiled with this literary lubricant, you will find yourself repeatedly sliding deep into Wagner's ring until a satisfying climax is reached.

25 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great title..., July 5, 2006

By 

dj-knu - See all my reviews

This review is from: Penetrating Wagner's Ring: An Anthology (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

Ah yes, for years I have longed to penetrate Wagner's ring, and this book finally showed me how. I have now penetrated *very* deeply, and it certainly is a good feeling. As with any profound penetration (especially relating to the ring!) it was a little difficult at first, but with a little perseverance I was able to get really lost inside the incredible ring. I don't know how Wagner himself would feel if he were alive today, having his long-impregnable ring so thoroughly penetrated, but I have a feeling the old devil might be satisfied that his monumental ring finally got the treatment it deserves.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfaction guaranteed., December 13, 2011

By 

Reginleif II "reginleif2" (Noo Hampsha) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Penetrating Wagner's Ring: An Anthology (Da Capo Paperback) (Paperback)

Wagner's Ring is, admittedly, not easy for the uninitiated to penetrate. The tight composition conceals its dark, primal secrets, sluiced with heroic blood. It is also exceedingly long, and the unwary explorer, even one mightily endowed with musician erudition, can become lost in its complex folds.

However, Di Gaetani's treatment of this rare and sensitive circle provides ample intellectual lubrication for those who, in the words of the great philosopher Cobb, wish to "go deeper." After you have read this book, your resolve will stiffen, and you will find yourself plunging into the all-encompassing Ring again, and again, and again, and again, until the grand crescendo washes over you and you are entirely spent.

As was true in the days when Germanic gods and heroes walked the earth, once you have possessed the Ring, you will feel ready to dominate the entire world.