Whilst no one would dispute Richard Wagner's ranking amongst the most significant composers in the history of Western music, his works have been more fiercely attacked than any other composer's. A racist, womaniser, megalomaniac and anti-Semite, Wagner's personal "defects" have provoked intense hostility which has translated into a mistrust and abhorrence of his music. This work discusses why people feel so passionately about Wagner. It lays out the various arguments made by Wagner's detractors and admirers, and challenges most of them. By giving unconventional analyses of many of Wagner's best-known works it aims to encourage readers to see many of his works afresh.
- ISBN10 0002555328
- ISBN13 9780002555326
- Publish Date 5 August 1996
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 October 1998
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 288
- Language English