Ring of the Nibelung (Ring Cycle)

click here for more details, find new or used items	Richard Wagner Pages: 1100 (Paperback) ISBN: 0714837024 Pub: Phaidon Press Ltd Pub date: 1997-10-01 Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 292641

Reader Reviews:

Perhaps my expectations were too high (9/13 people found this helpful)

When I first dipped in to these volumes I thought that they looked perfect; I was particularly interested in a text annotated with the musical motives. But, when following the text with the music, I became increasingly disappointed at the patchy 'coverage' of the motive annotations. I would not find this so disturbing if the depth of coverage were uniform, but it seems to vary from place to place even on a single page. In some places, the layered mix of motives is carefully teased apart in great detail, but in other places the annotation just seems to be abandoned.

I don't want to be too negative, it's definitely worth buying, but I will look forward to the next edition and hope for a more uniform coverage.

Perhaps the best way to begin understanding Der Ring? (7/8 people found this helpful)

There is, without doubt, no other work of art which comes even close to Wagner's Ring, but it is so huge that it comes close to being indigestible, especially if you know virtually no German (as I do). Sabor's five-part guide must be the best way to manage it. His translation is excellent - a welcome relief from the increasingly archaic ones in (e.g.) the vocal scores of the operas. Personally, I find the parallel tracing of the leitmotives most interesting of all - fair enough, it is a personal challenge to attempt to do this oneself, but Sabor's commentary on use of motives at significant points is astute and enlightening, and pitched perfectly, so as to avoid condescension. The 'companion' volume has some wonderful gems, my own favourite being the survey of the extremely varied productions the dramas have been subjected to. Sabor's writing style is very readable, often amusing and always engaging. I would recommend this set whole-heartedly to anyone with an interest in Wagner (and there are a lot of you out there), without a moment's pause. And (if you still need convincing) nobody could argue that the price is unreasonable.

a superb companion which can also be savoured on its own (5/6 people found this helpful)

a wonderful surprise! Does justice to its subject. I read it on its own at first & enjoyed every page- smiling occasionally at a bit of over- statement but mostly surprised by the deep perception. [two startling howlers (pp 57 &109 in Siegfried) to be noted.]

An excellent guide and with unambigious translations (6/6 people found this helpful)

As a newcomer to The Ring I found Sabor's book very approachable. Clear sections packed with pertinent information make it a valuable resource. His translations are lucid but don't compromize the complexity and beauty of Wagner's libretto.

In short an exceptionally good purchase, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the operas or who want to approach them with an increased understanding.

Superbly produced - Brilliant (2/2 people found this helpful)

An extremely well presented, very readable companion to some of the finest music ever written. A very capable, occasionally inspired translation/interpretation of Wagner's libretto, coupled with fascinating background and archive material and some very observant asides.

Buy the Levine CD set, make yourself comfortable and turn up the volume and time will cease to be of relevance!

When can we expect the same treatment for "Tristan and Isolde"? Soon please!

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