Being Wagner

The Story of the Most Provocative Composer Who Ever Lived

By: Simon Callow

Narrated by: Simon Callow

Simon Callow, the celebrated author of Orson Welles, delivers a dazzling, swift, and accessible biography of the musical titan Richard Wagner and his profoundly problematic legacy--a fresh take for seasoned acolytes and the perfect introduction for new fans.

Richard Wagner's music dramas have never been more popular or more divisive. His ten masterpieces, created against the backdrop of a continent in severe political and cultural upheaval, constitute an unmatched body of work. A man who spent most of his life in abject poverty, inspiring both critical derision and hysterical hero-worship, Wagner was a walking contradiction: belligerent, flirtatious, disciplined, capricious, demanding, visionary, and poisonously anti-Semitic. Acclaimed biographer Simon Callow evokes the intellectual and artistic climate in which Wagner lived and takes us through his most iconic works, from his pivotal successes in The Flying Dutchman and Lohengrin, to the musical paradigm shift contained in Tristan and Isolde, to the apogee of his achievements in The Ring of the Nibelung and Parsifal, which debuted at Bayreuth shortly before his death. Being Wagner brings to life this towering figure, creator of the most sublime and most controversial body of work ever known.

Critic reviews

International Praise for Simon Callow's Being Wagner

"Would Callow be able to tell me, in layman's language, what it is about Tristan that makes it so powerful? The answer, I am happy to say, is yes. The perfect introduction for those, like me, who may not be obsessives but who sense that something profound is going on, and would like to know more. . . . A delightful little book." --Craig Brown, The Mail on Sunday (London)

"A sparkly written, witty, learned, and absorbing account, Callow brings The Master vividly to life." --The Times (London)

"Intelligent, fluent, and buoyant." --The Daily Telegraph (London)

superb

Simon Callow is a wonderful narrator and also a terrific writer. I can't believe this is the guy from Amadeus. How many talents should one really have in life?

In any event, his narration for the Prince, Shakespeare's sonnets, and Charles Dickens are all incredible as well. In this case Being Wagner makes the life of a man I would be otherwise uninterested in directing my attention completely engrossing. I strongly recommend spending an audible credit on this title. There are plenty of longer audiobooks but most of them are half as good.

From 6 Hour One Man Show, Edited Down Heavily

As is befitting a subject who rarely edited himself, Simon Callo’s book started out as a one-man show lasting 6 hours, and he had to keep editing and editing to bring it down to a reasonable 2-3 hours. The book is based on his one-man show.

Pretty much gives a full version of Wagner‘s life, from unknown and unappreciated to revolutionary, to brilliant and admired genius. Hearing Callow’s verbal illuminations are sometimes breathtaking. He does a really good job.

Wagoner’s “creed” is very telling of his values (art above all). Callow quotes heavily from Wagner’s extensive writings, as well as those of his friends, admirers and haters.

Obviously, Wagner is a very difficult subject tackle!

Highest Rating

Humorous, insightful, moving. All the right details. Clever. For the casual and obsessive Wagner listener.

Wonderful!!!

Simon Callow has written a wonderful biography and has provided a delightful narration! Even being already somewhat familiar with Wagner’s life, I gained plenty of deeper insight and details about the composer.
Highly recommended!