
The Music of Richard Wagner
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Narrated by:
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Robert Greenberg
About this listen
In these 24 lectures filled with musical excerpts, enjoy a rich and multifaceted exploration of the trailblazing works and outsized life of this historically pivotal composer.
Your immersion in Wagner's art includes the following:
- The Flying Dutchman (which illustrates several of Wagner's key compositional innovations)
- Tannhäuser (the saga of a medieval knight torn between two worlds)
- Tristan and Isolde (Wagner's crowning masterpiece)
- And, of course, The Ring of the Nibelung (arguably the single most ambitious theater work ever created)
The sheer outlandishness of Wagner's life makes for an endlessly intriguing story, from his desperate escapades outrunning creditors to his obsessive personal relationships to his utopian artistic schemes. In his writings, letters, and public actions, you investigate the often contradictory - and hypocritical - aspects of his personality. And, reflecting on the nationalist spirit of his time, you track his core desire to make "German Art in the service of a German national identity," even as he created a body of works whose communicative power transcends any national boundary.
With Professor Greenberg's passionate and razor-sharp commentary, you'll plumb the fabulous mystery of a man who gave the world something of deeply compelling and universal resonance: music of great genius and a poetry that reveals the depths of the human psyche.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2010 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2010 The Great CoursesGreat overview
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Whilst I can only give high credit to the lectures as a whole, I did get rather fed up with the emphasis on Wagner's anti -semitism. There is no doubt that this element of Wagner's character, to a modern audience at least, is pretty reprehensible, but there were times I found it rather took over the lectures. I particularly found this in PARSIFAL - my favourite opera.
In spite of the above comments, I thought the whole series of lecture were excellent.
A Wonderful Course
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, to anyone put off by the seeming intellectual / artistic /political heights of Wagner thsi course is brilliant in being both informative, engaging and does not place Wagner on a pedestal whilst still acknowledging his artistic greatness.What other book might you compare The Music of Richard Wagner to, and why?
To any of the other insightful courses of Professor GreenbergWhat does Professor Robert Greenberg bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
His always lively and engaging tone.Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
It made me have an incredibly conflicted view of Wagner - which I think is possibly the best way to view him.Any additional comments?
I'd urge anyone daunted by Classical music or Opera to try one of Robert Greenberg's courses.Wagner, the man and the mythos
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Succinct.
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Really well pitched and entertaining intro
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Happy to recommend this as a way into Wagner and all he represents that is easy to listen to and very informative.
Astonishing, larger than life - Wagnerian?
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Would you listen to The Music of Richard Wagner again? Why?
Very informative and I'll revisit sections as I go to see the Operas.Who was your favorite character and why?
My favourite character was Wagner! (daft question!!!)Which character – as performed by Professor Robert Greenberg – was your favourite?
This is a course not a novel reading! He should lay off the jokes a bit though.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The Ring Cycle and Parsifal.Any additional comments?
THese prompted reviews aren't a one-size fits all you know Amazon!!Great course!
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Brilliant presentation on a controversial figure.
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I can't recommend this audiobook to anyone. if you are already woke, you won't be interested in Wagner anyway. if you have an open mind, you will be misled. if you already love the music dramas, you will be annoyed and disappointed.
Lectures on Wagner by someone who hates Wagner
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