Ring of the Nibelung: Opera Explained

By: Stephen Johnson

Narrated by: Stephen Johnson

Length: 2 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Wagner’s Ring cycle is the most ambitious work in the history of music: four operas that combine to tell a single epic story. Based in legend, it has become a legend in its own right: a supreme challenge for conductors, singers, opera producers, and indeed for audiences. But for all its grandeur and complexity, The Ring is far more accessible than many music lovers think.

This audiobook guide explains the basics of the plot, profiles the leading characters, and shows how Wagner’s revolutionary music adds fascinating layers of meaning and psychological insight, as well as providing some of the most stirring and intoxicating moments in the entire operatic repertoire.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2007 Naxos AudioBooks (P)2007 Naxos AudioBooks

A concise and well structured overview

Loved this overview with the very well chosen musical excerpts. This book suits the amateur 'Wagnerian' like myself and is superbly narrated by the author. If you love Wagner's music and want to extend your understanding of these 'Operas' this is the book for you..

A good beginner guide.

I liked the voice, the music illustrations (although there was so much more to be said there) and most of the explanations, although sometimes subjective. I didn’t like adding politics to the story. More music and less politics please… there are billions of people on this planet. Focusing on specifics over and over again... is not mandatory for Wagner to be liked by everyone. People can pick and chose to their own taste. Personally, I’m here for the music, for that Superman vision of Wagner that lift him above the rest. Wagner is the future of humanity, the next stage in the development of man. Nothing matters more than that.

Der Ring des Nibelung

In this brief introduction Johnson takes us from the opening e-flat of the Das Rheingold to the consuming flames of Götterdämmerung. Discussions of staging, orchestration, plot development, mythic elements and more are interspersed with musical excerpts.

Wagner designed the tetralogy to begin with the Vorabend, (a "preliminary evening") in which Das Rheingold is perfomed, followed by the succession of the operas Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Johnson makes an admirable presentation of each part of the cycle without excessive digression.

Of course, countless volumes have been devoted to the discussion of meaning, leitmotif, scoring, and all things Wagnerian, should one want to look deeper. But for a brief discussion of Ring essentials, look no further.

These operas share a somewhat daunting reputation. Even opera fans have been known to quaver before Valhalla! But don't be one of them. Listen to this book, then jump right in. Some of the most beautiful music ever written awaits you.