Items related to Wagner and the Reform of the Opera (Classic Reprint)
Synopsis
Wagner and the Reform of the Opera examines the ideas behind a major 19th‑century call for change in how German opera was performed.
It centers on Richard Wagner’s influential pamphlets and the broader effort to shape a German operatic style through education, stage practice, and new dramatic norms.
Drawing on critical pamphlets and contemporary debate, the book explores Wagner’s belief that correct performance, not just bold ideas, matters for the proper expression of a composer’s intent. It discusses a proposed Munich school of music that would train singers, conductors, and instrumentalists to deliver works with a consistent German style, while balancing Italian vocal technique and German diction. The work also looks at the role of conductors, tempo rubato, and the tension between concert life and the opera house in shaping public taste.What you’ll experience
- A readable look at Wagner’s proposals for reforming opera performance and training.
- Discussion of language, style, and the practical demands of German singing in the grand operatic tradition.
- Insight into how critics and contemporaries viewed the move from purely musical to theatrically guided execution.
- Context for the debates that shaped late 19th‑century opera and Wagner’s lasting influence on performance practice.
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Wagner and the Reform of the Opera (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book, first published in the 1870s, sheds light on composer Richard Wagner's artistic theories and their influence on his operatic creations. The author traces the evolution of Wagner's ideas from his early influences in Greek drama to his revolutionary vision of a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art that would seamlessly integrate poetry, music, and visual elements. The book delves into Wagner's critique of the limitations of traditional opera, particularly the separation of musical and dramatic elements. Wagner believed that music should serve as an expressive language, intensifying the emotional impact of the drama and revealing the inner workings of characters. As a result, he developed innovative techniques such as the leitmotif, where musical themes are associated with specific characters or ideas, enhancing the psychological depth of his operas. The author analyzes Wagner's theories on music, poetry, and the role of myth in dramatic storytelling. Wagner's emphasis on the emotional power of myth and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries made it a central element in his operas, which often drew inspiration from ancient legends and folk tales. Ultimately, this book provides valuable insights into the groundbreaking work of an influential composer. Wagner's theories and practices revolutionized the art of opera, expanding its expressive potential and paving the way for new forms of musical drama that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781330150122_0
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Wagner and the Reform of the Opera Classic Reprint
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781330150122
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Wagner and the Reform of the Opera Classic Reprint
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781330150122
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