Amazon comIn the voluminous Wagner bibliography, Thomas May's book occupies a special place Concise but remarkably information-packed and accompanied by two CDs of excerpts, it is addressed to those who seek a deeper understanding of Wagner's operas The controversies--artistic, human and moral--generated by Wagner's innovative ideas and огзрд reprehensible behavior frequently obscure the greatness of his achievements May performs an extraordinary feat: although unflinchingly aware of Wagner's arrogance, self-aggrandizement, duplicity, faithlessness, hedonism, greed, political opportunism, chauvinism, and anti-Semitism, he communicates boundless admiration for the composer and passionate love for his works Suggesting that the very schism between Wagner's flawed character and idealistic aspirations inspired "monumentally stirring meditations on the contradictory range of human experience," he correlates and reconciles his "monstrous ego" with his sublime genius The evolution of Wagner's operas, from his early and incomplete attempts to the late, often extensively revised masterpieces, culminated in a lofty artistic vision: the "total artwork" which, combining all the arts, would result in heightened experience and spiritual elevation Wagner wrote his own texts, considering poetry and music inseparable and himself equally master of both, an assessment not universally shared May takes the librettos very seriously, following them from their historical or mythological origin to their final form with formidable but unobtrusive erudition Among his references are the Buddha, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Thomas Mann, and T S Eliot, and he must have read everything about Wagner as well as Wagner's own often repellent autobiographical, theoretical, and political writings (which make one wish he had written nothing but music) May's musical analyses are equally riveting and absorbing He traces the operas' ever-increasing depth, breadth, and grandeur, the growing importance and masterful use of the unifying leitmotif and the "Wagnerian" orchestra, and the often hidden strands that connect them despite their individual uniqueness Opera lovers spurred by May's book to hear these works performed could not wish for a more knowledgeable, illuminating, and inspiringguide --Edith EislerBook DescriptionThis guide aims to unlock the world of Richard Wagner and his works, his monumental achievements, and, ultimately, the great emotional power inherent in his art This emotional power is double-edged, often serving as a kind of mirror for what each listener brings to it The book challenges the assumptions and stereotypes of the "Wagnerian" idea of art Decoding Wagner presents a straightforward, fresh overview of what Wagner attempted to achieve with his "artwork of the future " Lively discussions of his major works place them in the context of his life and consider the interplay of dramatic and musical elements with philosophical ideas which are so unique to Wagner Two accompanying full-length CDs illustrate and trace his growth as a composer.  Переводчик:2004 г 220 стр ISBN 1574670972.