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Wagner, Richard, 1813-1883 Books
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Richard Wagner
My Life — Volume 1
"My Life — Volume 1" by Richard Wagner is an autobiography written between 1865 and 1880, covering his life from birth in 1813 to 1864. Dictated to his mistress Cosima von Bülow at the request of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Wagner recounts his tempestuous career, friendships, and controversies in surprisingly frank detail. Originally printed in limited editions for private circulation, the memoir sparked rumors due to its restricted availability. The work offers a racy, readable account of Wagner's development and the musical world of his era, though his subjective perspective reveals condescending views toward contemporaries and attacks on rival composers.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
The Case of Wagner, Nietzsche Contra Wagner, and Selected Aphorisms.
"The Case of Wagner, Nietzsche Contra Wagner, and Selected Aphorisms" by Friedrich Nietzsche is a collection published in 1888. This provocative work marks Nietzsche's dramatic break with composer Richard Wagner, critiquing his music and political entanglements. Nietzsche presents Wagner as a symptom of Europe's broader affliction: nihilism. The philosopher showcases his music criticism while exploring art's relationship to humanity's future. This stands in sharp contrast to Nietzsche's earlier praise of Wagner, revealing an intellectual rupture that consumed his final creative years.
John F. Runciman
Richard Wagner, Composer of Operas
"Richard Wagner, Composer of Operas" by John F. Runciman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an examination of the life and works of the renowned composer Richard Wagner, emphasizing his artistic journey and the evolution of his operatic style. Runciman aims to present a straightforward depiction of Wagner's achievements and struggles, avoiding excessive theorizing or bias regarding Wagner's complex legacy. The opening of the book introduces Richard Wagner's early life, detailing his birth in Leipzig during a turbulent time marked by war and strife. It discusses his family background, the influence of his theatrical stepfather, and the early signs of his creativity amidst personal and societal hardships. Runciman explores Wagner's formative years, including his education and the development of his passion for music and drama, setting the stage for understanding the extraordinary talent that led to Wagner becoming one of the most significant figures in operatic history.
W. J. (William James) Henderson
Richard Wagner His Life and His Dramas A Biographical Study of the Man and an Explanation of His Work
"Richard Wagner: His Life and His Dramas" by W. J. Henderson is a biographical study written in the early 20th century. This work aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the life of Richard Wagner, detailing both his personal history and the artistic aspirations that drove his compositions. By examining his life and the intricacies of his major works, the book likely caters to both music enthusiasts and those interested in Wagner's complex character. The opening of the book introduces the ancestry and early life of Richard Wagner, setting the stage for his prolific career. It details the challenges faced by Wagner's family after the early death of his father and how these circumstances influenced his upbringing. The passage highlights young Wagner's burgeoning talent, his influences, and the beginning of his journey toward becoming a celebrated composer. Notably, it discusses the pivotal moments in Wagner’s childhood, including his encounters with notable figures like Weber, which instigated his aspiration to create innovative musical dramas. Thus, the introduction establishes Wagner’s early promises and foreshadows his tumultuous but groundbreaking journey in music.
Ernest Newman
Wagner as Man & Artist
"Wagner as Man & Artist" by Ernest Newman is a biographical study of the influential composer Richard Wagner, written in the early 20th century. This work explores Wagner's complex character and his artistic theories through a rich examination of his life, writings, and letters. The book aims to provide a psychological and chronological overview of Wagner, revealing his dual nature as a man and an artist, while addressing both his virtues and failings. The opening of the work introduces the author’s intention to dissect Wagner’s persona and artistic contributions in a nuanced way. Newman explains that while there is a wealth of biographical material surrounding Wagner, much of it has been either glorifying or overly critical. He contends that Wagner’s life was marked by both extraordinary creativity and profound personal flaws, making him a figure worthy of detailed scrutiny. Newman acknowledges the challenges of reconciling Wagner's self-portrayal in his autobiography with the perspectives of contemporaries and critics, laying the groundwork for a candid and multifaceted exploration of Wagner's life and works throughout the rest of the book.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
The Case of Wagner Complete Works, Volume 8
"The Case of Wagner" by Friedrich Nietzsche is a book published in 1888. Subtitled "A Musician's Problem," it marks Nietzsche's dramatic break with composer Richard Wagner, whom he once admired. Nietzsche critiques Wagner's involvement with nationalism and antisemitism, while presenting him as a symptom of a broader European disease: nihilism. The work showcases Nietzsche's skills as a music critic and explores art's relationship to humanity's future health, standing in sharp contrast to his earlier praise of Wagner.
Richard Wagner
My Life — Volume 2
"My Life — Volume 2" by Richard Wagner is an autobiography dictated between 1865 and 1880. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Wagner recounts his tumultuous career, friendships, and controversies with surprising frankness. This volume continues his story through the European musical world of the mid-nineteenth century. Originally printed in tiny private editions, the memoir's restricted circulation sparked rumors about its contents. Wagner's readable prose reveals his subjective views of contemporaries and rivals, making it both a vital historical source and a deeply personal testament.
James Huneker
Mezzotints in modern music $b Brahms, Tschaïkowsky, Chopin, Richard Strauss, Liszt and Wagner
"Mezzotints in Modern Music" by James Huneker is a collection of essays on notable composers and their contributions to music, likely written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the complexities and philosophies of various musicians, including Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Richard Strauss, Liszt, and Wagner, discussing their styles, influences, and the evolution of music during their eras. Through these essays, Huneker presents an exploration of musical expression, structured form, and emotional depth, offering insights into both the technical and artistic merits of these composers. The opening of the book begins with a reflection on the significance of Johannes Brahms following his death, establishing him as a monumental figure in the landscape of music. Huneker explores Brahms' profound contribution to various musical forms, highlighting his dedication to structure and intellectual rigor while acknowledging the emotional depth embedded in his compositions. The text presents Brahms not as an aloof master but as a deeply human artist, whose works resonate with the experiences and emotions of life. The commentary leads into discussions about Brahms' contrasting relationships with other contemporaneous musicians, setting the stage for a broader examination of the evolving musical scene of the time.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Thoughts out of Season, Part I David Strauss, the Confessor and the Writer - Richard Wagner in Bayreuth.
"Thoughts out of Season, Part I" by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche is an essay written in 1873. In this provocative work, Nietzsche launches a scathing attack on David Strauss and his widely-read book as emblems of contemporary German cultural degeneracy. He denounces Strauss as a "Philistine of pseudo-culture," critiquing both his ideas and his writing with biting humor. This essay marks the beginning of Nietzsche's distinctive polemical style, setting the stage for his broader cultural diagnosis of modern Europe.
Ferdinand Praeger
Wagner as I Knew Him
"Wagner as I Knew Him" by Ferdinand Praeger is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book aims to provide insights into the life and character of the renowned composer Richard Wagner, as seen through the eyes of Praeger, a close friend and confidant. It explores Wagner's thoughts, ambitions, and contradictions, seeking to illuminate the complexities of his persona and the impact of his revolutionary ideas on music and society. The opening of the work sets the stage for this intimate exploration, detailing Praeger's long-standing friendship with Wagner, which spans nearly fifty years. Praeger emphasizes his intent to offer an honest portrayal of Wagner, acknowledging both his genius and his flaws. It outlines the essence of Wagner's character as a fiercely committed thinker and artist, grappling with society's criticism while pursuing the transformative power of art. The narrative initiates a deeper inquiry into Wagner's early influences, family background, and formative experiences, laying a foundation for a nuanced biography that promises to reveal the man behind the music.
George Ainslie Hight
Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde": An Essay on the Wagnerian Drama
"Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde': An Essay on the Wagnerian Drama" by George Ainslie Hight is a critical examination of Richard Wagner's dramatic works, likely written in the early 20th century. This essay serves as a primer for newcomers interested in Wagner's artistry, aiming to clarify the distinct elements that set his compositions apart from previous operatic traditions, particularly in the context of "Tristan und Isolde." Hight highlights the need for a deeper understanding of Wagner's aims and the challenges faced by audiences conditioned by earlier French and Italian operas. The beginning of the essay sets the tone for Hight's exploration into Wagner's philosophy and artistry, emphasizing the necessity of altering one's perception to appreciate Wagner's innovations. Hight argues that an understanding of Wagner's work requires an unlearning of contemporary operatic preconceptions and calls for readers to engage with the emotional depths conveyed through Wagner’s music and drama. The initial chapters introduce various themes including the significance of Wagner's theoretical writings and the nature of Wagner's dramatic expression, discussing the broader implications of his work in the context of art and societal values. Hight portrays Wagner not only as a composer but as a reformer of dramatic art, urging readers to comprehend the organic unity of the arts he pursued in his dramatic structures.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
Thoughts out of Season, Part I
"Thoughts out of Season, Part I" by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche is a philosophical essay published in 1873. This work launches a fierce attack on contemporary German culture through a critique of David Strauss's "The Old and the New Faith." Nietzsche targets what he sees as vulgar pseudo-culture and intellectual mediocrity, demolishing Strauss's vision of a scientifically-determined faith. The essay marks Nietzsche's emerging polemical style, combining youthful audacity with biting humor as he challenges the prevailing cultural complacency of his time.
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