Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg is Wagner's only mature comedy, and one of the richest and most profound in the history of music. This book presents an informative and stimulating study of an opera that occupies a particular place in music lovers' affections, yet always has more to reveal. John Warrack traces the evolution of the work from plans for a light comic opera, through all the drafts and the literary influences on them, into the eventual comedy; and he then studies the music in depth. He also gives an account of what Wagner found in the historical Mastersingers and their music. Lucy Beckett explores the influence of Schopenhauer on the work, and examines the complexity of its expressive methods. Michael Tanner suggests new ways of interpreting the opera's inner and outer worlds. There is a history of significant productions by Patrick Carnegy. The volume includes a full synopsis, bibliography and three appendices.
- ISBN13 9780521448956
- Publish Date 8 September 1994
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 16 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Cambridge University Press
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 188
- Language English