Richard Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

by John Warrack

Overview

This book presents a lively and informative account of Die Meistersinger von Núrnberg, including its literary sources and the evolution of the text from a light comic opera into its final form. John Warrack examines the music and historical tradition of the Mastersingers; Lucy Beckett analyzes the Hans Sachs character and reveals how Wagner communicates with his audience, both musically and dramatically; Michael Tanner suggests new ways to interpret Meistersinger as a reflection of Wagner's overall view of opera; while Patrick Carnegy provides a history of key productions. The volume contains a full synopsis, bibliography, and music examples as well as three valuable appendices.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521444446
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/08/1994
Series:	Cambridge Opera Handbooks
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	5.67(w) x 8.78(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; General preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Composition and performance details; 1. The sources and genesis of the text John Warrack; 2. Synopsis John Warrack; 3. Sachs, Beckmesser, and Mastersong John Warrack; 4: Sachs and Schopenhauer Lucy Beckett; 5. Richard Wagner and Hans Sachs Michael Tanner; 6. Die Meistersinger: naive or sentimental art? Lucy Beckett; 7. Wahn, words and music John Warrack; 8. Stage history Patrick Carnegy; Appendices: 1. The Wahn monologue; 2. Sachs's final address; 3. The original Prize Song; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This introductory study fully realizes the aims of a Cambridge Opera Handbook by presenting abundant, synoptic, analytical, and historical information about Die Meistersinger along with distinctive critical interpretations." Opera Quarterly

From the Publisher