Aspects Of Wagner, Second Edition, Revised And Enlarged: 2nd Edition (Oxford Paperbacks)

The story that more books have been written about Wagner than about anyone other than Jesus or Napoleon is undoubtedly apocryphal, nevertheless there are an awful lot to choose from! This is one of the shortest, and also, I believe, one of the best. Bryan Magee tackles head on some of the most striking and perplexing issues surrounding Wagner and his works. He traces the quite phenomenal influence that Wagner has had on music and also in the arts more widely. He describes, and attempts to account for, the extreme love ("Wagnerolatry") and loathing ("Wagnerphobia") that Wagner and his works have inspired and continue to inspire. He also sheds some light on the important and disturbing question of Wagner's anti-Semitism. One chapter is devoted to the controversial question of how to stage Wagner's operas today. Perhaps most interestingly of all he offers an explanation for the uncanny potency of Wagner's music: how it induces in some feelings of ecstasy, sometimes likened to being in love, and in others feelings of disgust, whilst it has (allegedly) driven some people to madness. If you want to know more about Wagner's music and its influence, read this book.

This is a short, but stimulating, incisive, illuminating and well-informed book of essays about various aspects of Wagner. Warmly recommended for any Wagnerian.

Have really enjoyed reading this book. It clearly states the main issues and points of interest of Wagner's life in a very concise form. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in an informative introduction to Wagner in general.

The best short book on Wagner that I know of. A model of clarity and packed with insight. I felt the last chapter (added later) didn't quite reach the exalted heights of the others.

I have not yet read this but I gave it to my husband who says it is both a readable and helpful and well informed book about Wagner's thinking and background.

In reading bio's of Ludwig II (L), and given the central role of Wagner (in Ludwig' life) I purchased this collection of essays on themes pertaining to Wagner (W). I'm afraid poor L rates a single mention as a worshipper of W, he does not otherwise fit most of the essays subjects. As such, this puts L into perspective as W's private bank, enabling W to become the composer he knew he could be. An essay on the W/L dynamic would have been interesting as interpreted by Bryan Magee, but I'm biased.The essays represent condensed, sometimes challenging interpretations of W's philosophies, inspiration, musical theories and impact.This applies particularly regarding his contemporaries in the arts arena, in the creation of his operas.I would suggest you read a standard bio' of W before approaching these essays, this would enhance your understanding of this work.

A fine book . I interviewed Bryan Magee recently at a Freud Museum conference on Wagner and Freud. 'Aspects of Wagner', written in 1968, was prescient. Magee was already linking Wagner's work, both his writings and his music, to future developments, particularly Freud's concept of the unconscious and the importance he attributed to sexuality.

Superb analysis of Wagner's roles in music, philosophy and anti-Semitism.