Includes bibliographical references (pages 356-379) and index.
Contents:
Notable productions / Greek myth & tragedy / Barry Millington. Wagner and the rise of modern mythology / Stefan Arvidsson -- Aesthetics. The Ring : theory and practice / Arnold Whittall ; Form and structure in the Ring / J. P. Harper-Scott ; Uses and abuses of the Leitmotiv / Christian Thorau ; The Bayreuth concept & the significance of performance / Roger Allen -- Interpretations. Character studies / Mark Berry ; The Ring as a political & philosophical drama / Anthony Arblaster ; The Ring and the environment / Thomas Grey ; The Ring : issues of gender & sexuality / Chris Walton -- Impact. Critical responses : from Nietzsche to Nattiez and beyond / Barbara Eichner ; Placing the Ring in operatic and literary history / David Trippett ; Specters of Nazism / Tash Siddiqui ; The Ring in cinematic and popular culture / Adrian Daub ; Notable productions / Barry Millington.
Summary:
"The Companion is an essential, truly interdisciplinary, tool for those both familiar and unfamiliar with to Wagner's Ring. It opens with a concise introduction to both the composer and the Ring , introducing Wagner as a cultural figure, as well as giving a comprehensive overview of the work. Subsequent chapters, written by leading Wagner experts, focus on musical topics such as "leitmotif," and structure, and provide a comprehensive set of character portraits, including leading players like Wotan, Brünnhilde, and Siegfried. Further chapters look to the mythological background of the work and the idea of the Bayreuth Festival, as well as critical reception of the Ring, its relationship to Nazism, and its impact on literature and popular culture, in turn offering new approaches to interpretation including gender, race and environmentalism. The volume ends with a history of notable stage productions from the world premiere in 1876 to the most recent stagings in Bayreuth and elsewhere"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.