The Wagner Style: Close Readings and Critical Perspectives.

WHITALL, Arnold (b.1935)

ISBN 10: 0993198309 / ISBN 13: 9780993198304

Published by Plumbago Books, [London], 2015

Defining Opera. Size: 8vo. x, 250pp. Publisher's cloth with printed dust-jacket. Music examples, illustrations. Seller Inventory # 32905

Synopsis:

A selection of Arnold Whittall's masterly writings on Wagner dealing with all major works in the context of 150 years' of critical reception - with copious music examples.

The book celebrates Arnold Whittall's 80th birthday with a collection of his key writings on Richard Wagner. The first ten chapters deal with the three Romantic operas, the four parts of The Ring and the three remaining music dramas. Their aim is to illuminate those aspects of Wagner's style that are both personal and important for his successors. Whittall sets close readings of key passages in the context of a critical debate that has itself ragedfor over a century, and his comprehensive range of reference makes this volume essential reading for all those who want to enter the debate. The final chapter deals with Jonathan Harvey's Wagner Dream (2007), a modern operatic treatment of Wagner the man and his unrealised Buddhist project, Die Sieger. Whittall's style is focussed and discriminating, yet also relaxed and accessible, and his text is rich in music examples.

ARNOLD WHITTALL is Professor Emeritus at King's College London. His previous books include Exploring Twentieth-Century Music and Serialism.

About the Author: ARNOLD WHITTALL is Professor Emeritus of Music Theory & Analysis, King's College London and one of the leading authorities on twentieth-century music and analysis.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Wagner Style: Close Readings and ...
Publisher: Plumbago Books, [London]
Publication Date: 2015
Binding: Hardcover