The Wagner Compendium

The Wagner Compendium presents a comprehensive survey of the man, his oeuvre and his times. The musical and intellectual background and influences which helped shape the Wagnerian canon are considered in their historical and political contexts. Wagners character, opinions and behaviour are examined along with a special chapter on Myths and Legends, which wittily corrects the misconceptions with which he has become associated. Wagners musical and literary style are treated in depth, and his operas, orchestral and choral music analysed together with the lesser-known works for solo voice, the piano music, and the projected operas. Chapters on orchestration and Wagner in performance are complemented by accounts of the reception and influence of his music. The bibliography accompanies the most complete list ever published of his writings, speeches, open letters and reviews, as well as a glossary explaining the meanings of Wagnerian terms, a calendar of his life and a Whos Who of his contemporaries.