Wagner

by Michael Tanner

Book Overview

While no one would dispute Wagner's ranking among the most significant composers in the history of Western music, his works have been more fiercely attacked than those of any other composer. Alleged to be an unscrupulous womanizer and megalomaniac, undeniably a racist, Wagner's personal qualities and attitudes have often provoked, and continue to provoke, intense hostility that has translated into a mistrust and abhorrence of his music.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0691102902
• ISBN13: 9780691102900
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Intelligent, bracing and invigorating

Michael Tanner has produced a gem of a book. Tanner brings his philosophical skills to bear on the meanings to be found in Wagner's music dramas. While I strongly disagree with Tanner's somewhat Nietzschean philosophical positions I have found engaging with his thought on Wagner most valuable. It is interesting to contrast his atheistic interpretation of Parsifal with Lucy Beckett's defence of the idea that it is a profoundly Christian work. Whoever is right, Tanner writes beautifully and always makes his points in an intellegient and often convincing manner. If you like Wagner's music and want to know more - read it (his book on Nietzsche's good too).

Wagner for Intermediates

I have been interested in Wagner and his music for many years, having bursts of enthusiasm of listening to his music and reading about him and his work from time to time. Michael Tanner's book is part of the latest burst. I warmly recommend it for readers who have some background in the Wagner's works. Michael Tanner works through the operas and Wagner's development as a dramatist and composer in chronological order and gives us the benefit of many years of listening, reading, thinking, and discussion with others, on each work in a very readable and brief but interesting and challenging overview from a professional philosopher. Highly recommended.

Incredibly Fertile Study

If only all Wagner criticism/analysis was as sane as this little volume... Simply put, this ranks near the top of the mountain of books on Richard Wagner, and certainly as one the very best books about him released within the last 10 years. Tanner gives some incredible insights, such as seeing Tristan und Isolde as a humanist "religious" work; this insight spurred an entire book (also well worth checking-out), called Death-Devoted Heart, by noted philosopher, Roger Scruton. Perhaps the greatest value that this excellent book possesses is Tanner's rebuttal of the usual criticisms of Wagner. Everybody "knows" the Wagner was an amoral Casanova with proto-Nazi tendencies. Actually, the truth is far more interesting, and while Tanner doesn't whitewash Wagner's repulsive anti-Semitism, he brings it into considerably sharper focus than most Wagner scribes. This is a welcome antidote to the shrill screeds that seem to be churned out constantly by the anti-Wagner lobby, while at the same time a measured and sober look at Wagner's artistic achievements. Highly recommended!

A philosophical approach

Michael Tanner, a British philosopher, who has written about Nitzsche, offers an analysis of Wagner and his works. I do not recommend this book as an introductory biography of Wagner. Rather, Tanner discusses the controversy surrounding Wagner. He notes that Wagner's "genuine anti-Semitism," womanizing, and both left wing and right wing politics would be forgiven if his critics didn't find something in his music to reinforce their hostility towards him. This observation encapsulizes the mystique surrounding Wagner. Just about everything about him, from his personal life, to his philosophy, to his music arouses passion. After analyzing Wagner in general, Tanner does an opera by opera review, concentrating on the meaning and philosophical underpinnings of each. This is no entry level plot summary; rather, Tanner dissects Wagner's works on a deeper level. In reading this book, it would be helpful if the reader was already familiar with Wagner's operas. Tanner covers Wagner's earlier operas which were fairly traditional with melodic area's and duets, and traces his evolution to the great musical dramatist that he became, culminating in the four opera Ring Cycle. If you seek to familiarize yourself with Wagner, this book is probably not for you. If you seek to gain an understanding of Wagner, this book is highly recommended.

Beyond the Music

This is an excellent account. The author considers Wagner beyond just his musical masterpieces.Excellent reading.