Customer Reviews

Der Ring Des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle)

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4 star:		(1)
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Wagner's Der Ring de Nibelungen is one of the most complex and significant artisitic creations in the world of opera. For those eager to approach the Ring and learn about this masterpiece this is the RIGHT book. One of the keys to understanding the Ring is based on its system of leitmotifs - recurring moments used to represent carachters, objects, events or emotions. These dramatic agents are very well explained (there's a sequence of other 4 books of Mr Sabor where you'll find the libretto translations and references to the leitmotifs as they appear throughout the work). A biography of Wagner precedes a chapter regarding the sources of the Ring. These are fascinating topics about the composer and his masterpiece. There is also a great chapter telling about the Ring story and its carachters. The Bayreuth story and a full bibliography, videography and a list of all the leitmotifs complements this excellent book. After reading this book the Ring will become an even more pleasing and understandable experience.

Mr. Sabor's historical commentary, list of leitmotiven and their appearances in the operas, and side comments cannot be equaled. This elegant set of books -- one for historical analysis, overview and performance practice of the entire cycle and one for each opera in the cycle -- is especially useful for Wagner beginners as well as seasoned musicologists. The translation of the libretti is beautifully poetic -- retaining much of Wagner's original alliteration and meter -- although it is not the most literal. (It could be used for singing if one was so inclined, and is a good deal better than most translations done for this purpose). I have used this set of books for a good deal of research on The Ring and usually need no others, although I do like to compare any translations with a more literal version, like the type usually found along with a recording. The discography/videography of the Ring is useful if not the most insightful. The substance, though, is most satisfactory, and at a reasonable price, too.

Listening to the Ring with Sabor's translations and comments is very pleasant. His English is beautiful and leitmotifs are all pointed out when they occur in the libretto. (of course the German is there to see as well.) Helpful comments about orchestration and interpretion enhance the experience. Summaries of plot and explanations of leitmotifs are presented at the beginning of each act as well as expanded within the text. A great way to get to know the Ring.

This book really made me understand the complex and wonderfull work of Richard Wagner. He really knew how to compose a great masterpiece. I always admired his music and now that I read the Book Der Ring des Nibelungen (03 times ! ) I am sure that he is the best composer ever. For the people who loves classical music this is the best book to start understanding its environment. I read Sergio Perazo's reviews, and I totally agreed with him. He (sergio) gave the exactly idea how good this book is. I am starting reading this book for the forth time.

I have used this translation together with those by William Mann (Friends of Covent Garden) and Lionel Salter and my opinion is that the latter two more accurately translate the German.I do no undersatnd Mr Sabor's reference to 'accuracy' in his translation:at times questions in German become statements in English,tenses are confused and straight-forward words appear to be incorrectly translated.I am very disappointed in the translation and would point people to either Mann or Salter.Where the books are of value are the annotations of the 'leimotive' by the approrpiate lines.There are in addition so other sundry notes,though at times these did seem to me to be fatuous.I would suggest the introductions need to be re-written so that an unsuspecting user would not accept Mr Sabor's translation by cross-corrolating each word.To me it appears strange that Mr Sabor states 'a new translation is demanded' of 'The Ring' - in my opinion,as a German speaker,his is not the translation that I would demand.