The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music

By: Friedrich Nietzsche

Narrated by: Duncan Steen

One of Nietzsche’s earliest works, The Birth of Tragedy (1872) is a remarkable source of inspiration. It is here that the philosopher expresses his frustration with the contemporary world and urges man to embrace Dionysian energy once more. He refutes European culture since the time of Socrates, arguing that it is one-sidedly Apollonian and prevents man from living in optimistic harmony with the sufferings of life.

It is argued that the healthier culture can be perceived in the traditions of ancient Greece as the spectators of the tragic plays experienced Dionysus and Apollo in perfect harmony. However, Nietzsche has great faith in the human soul and presents a laudatory portrayal of Wagner, contending that his artistic spirit is the savior of Europe; Wagner’s music has sown the seeds for a period of liberating rebirth.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks

mindblowing structure. outstanding 19th century ps

mindblowing structure outstanding psychology from 19th century and workmanlike reading.Nietzsche stimulates and provides insight. to foundations of Western civilization with attention to Eastern influences.

Not the Best of N, Still Good, More N. Please!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music the most enjoyable?

The performance was great.

Any additional comments?

I have read almost all of Nietzsche works and this, being one of his earliest isn't the best of his philosophical pieces. However Human all too Human was amazing however, which was written after he did this, still quite early in N's unfortunately relatively short writing career. The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music addresses aesthetics more. Wagner liked it. But I'm not Wagner. It isn't that I don't like this book, it's just that if you are going to put this geniuses books onto audio please make sure to put his best. I really would like to see all of Nietzsche's works on Audible in English. I would buy them all. I see there is a version of The Antichrist in Spanish, but I think it is abridged. Abridging Nietzsche is a turn off. Abridging any book is for me. However with Nietzsche it is important that his often misquoted sayings are in the proper context to be fully understood, which means leaving it unabridged! To end, I plead for more books by Nietzsche on audible.

Good rendition

Well paced and good inflection for a philosophical subject. Would definitely recommend to any reader.

Knowing Greek mythology will help

Knowing Greek mythology will help. Lots of references. Interesting book. Not without it’s faults for sure.

Great narration of a great book, poor production

Duncan Steen gives a fine interpretation of the book, arguably a bit too grave, but I think reasonable minds could disagree on that point.
The issue is the production, which captures every physical click and pop that can be emitted by a human mouth with two lips, a normal number of teeth, and a standard allotment of saliva.
I don't know if it's an issue with the recording, the mastering, or if Duncan Steen in fact skipped some crucial vocal warm-ups, or what, but it leaves me in utter revulsion.
Recommend for ASMR fans with an interest in this unique work among Nietzsche's corpus.