Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung: A Companion [Hardcover]

Stewart Spencer (Author), Barry Millington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1993

There has long been a need for a new English translation of the text of Wagner's Ring - a modern version, both reliable and readable yet truly reflecting the literary quality of the original. As Wagner emphasized, his words and music form an indissoluble unity, neither fully comprehensible without the other. Stewart Spencer, a lifelong devotee of Wagner and an editor of the journal of the Wagner society, is ideally qualified for such a task. The poem of The Ring bristles with difficulties: of interpretation and of rendition into English. Spencer's version, which exactly follows the original verse form, reads smoothly and idiomatically, yet is the result of prolonged thought and deep background knowledge. The German text is given in parallel, and Spencer also contributes footnotes and an introductory essay. Other specially commissioned essays discuss the cycle's musical structure, its philosophical implications, its medieval sources and Wagner's own changing attitude to its meaning. There is also a glossary of names, a review of audio and video recordings, and a select bibliography. Armed with this complement to Wagner's master-work, the newcomer can approach it without fear of being mystified, while for those already under its spell there are new ideas.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An important work. -- Choice

Superb new translation. -- Wagner Notes --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)
Original Language: German

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500015678
• ISBN-13: 978-0500015674
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #682,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Wagner

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition to any Wagner library, June 4, 2006

By 

Konrad Baumeister - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung (Paperback)

This book would be an excellent addition to anyone interesting in Wagner's Ring cycle for a number of reasons.

First, the translation, which takes up three quarters of the book, is well done, with German and English directly compared on a line by line basis, complete with alternate or discarded or rejected versions of the libretto included in an appendix. The translation itself seems outstanding; some of Wagner's phrasing is difficult or impossible to directly translate into English, but even in the most convoluted or confusing cases the result is clear and compelling.

Second, there is a thematic guide to many of the most important leitmotifs Wagner developed (67 in this case), and in the translation of the libretto the authors have noted where these occur on a line by line, or sequential basis. This is of tremendous help as a reference for further study when listening and relistening to the music.

Third, while there is only little commentary on the operas and on Wagner's compositional journey through the Ring, there are a few photos from past performances, comparing vastly different sets for the same scenes, which are interesting. There could have been quite a bit more of this.

Finally, the glossary of character names could be useful to the student.

Overall, this is an excellent resource and reference to use while listening to the Ring, and for analyzing Wagner's libretto itself.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful mainly as a translation, August 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung: A Companion (Hardcover)

If you are looking for a direct translation(as I was) of the entire Ring, look no further. It is excellant and complete. If you are looking for commentary however, this is not the book for you . There is a brief intro that essentially discusses Wagner's life, philosophy, and musical approach(50 pgs). An 8 page b&w insert is also included. The text is printed side by side with the original German text. Well worth the money to those who have procured a recording of one or all of the operas but need a liberetto.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource to Wagner's Ring, December 30, 2004

By 

A student - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung (Paperback)

This book is an invaluable resource to Wagner's Ring cycle. The translation presented in this book is excellent. The translation is complete, and is an accurate translation from German. The author also included several essays in the book. They talk about the Ring cycle's musical structure, the sources of the Ring cycle, and Wagner's attitude toward the cycle. The reviews of CDs and videos of the Ring cycle, at the end of the book, are also invaluable. If you are looking for a libretto of Wagner's Ring, then you should definately get this book.