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'(A) fine translation...a remarkably well-tailored version... To see what an achievement this is you have only to look back at nineteenth-century translations of works like Parsifal, any of which is difficult to read with a straight face.'
--TLS
--TLS
Product Description
This is the first literal, word-for-word translation of Wagners epic masterwork with the full German text. Stewart Spencer's version is at once reliable and readable, adhering closely to the original verse form and to Wagners poetic intentions. The German text is given in parallel, and Spencer also contributes illuminating footnote and an introductory essay. Other specially commissioned essays discuss the Cycles musical structure, its philosophical implications, its medieval sources and Wagners own changing attitude to its meaning. An appendix of Wagners rejected versions, copious notes on the translation, a glossary of the names of characters in the Ring, an extensive bibliography and reviews of CD- and video-recordings conclude the volume.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
65 of 66 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There are many different approaches to translating Wagner's Ring Cycle. Some are meant to be sung, whilst many are intended simply as cribs to the meaning. This translation is unusual in attempting to reproduce as closely as is possible in English the alliterative verse used by Wagner in his operatic epic. The verse form he used is clearly explained in the introduction, as are the principals followed in producing this English version. This translation provides a refutation of the widely held belief that Wagner's libretti are poor literature. It is true that he was not a great poet, but his achievement in compressing the vast story he wanted to tell into the vivid and dramatic scenes of the Ring Cycle is stunning, even before a note of music is added. There are extensive footnotes to the text, showing where there are divergent readings, and making frequent references to critical writings on Wagner. There is also a long, though incomplete, list of the main leitmotifs (with numbers in the text pointing out their occurrences throughout the Cycle), plus a discussion of the stage history of the work, with photographs of a number of influential past productions. All in all this is a great book for anyone who wants to get to know the Ring Cycle better.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I purchased this book, because like many people I have got 'The Ring' on CD and although it had a libretto it was in German and therefore I hadn't got a clue what was going on in the opera.
What I needed was a good English translation next to the German so I could follow the opera as I listened.
If you are in the same boat, look no further.
The book is divided into 2 main parts.
The first part consists of a number of academic essays written on the history and musical composition of the opera. These probably will only appeal to music students. I certainly did not gain much from them.
The second part is a gold mine. The libretto covers all the operas of the cycle with the english translation next to the German. In addition there are stage directions and synopses of the story for each scene.
An excellent, invaluable book. Highly Recommended
What I needed was a good English translation next to the German so I could follow the opera as I listened.
If you are in the same boat, look no further.
The book is divided into 2 main parts.
The first part consists of a number of academic essays written on the history and musical composition of the opera. These probably will only appeal to music students. I certainly did not gain much from them.
The second part is a gold mine. The libretto covers all the operas of the cycle with the english translation next to the German. In addition there are stage directions and synopses of the story for each scene.
An excellent, invaluable book. Highly Recommended
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Ring is simply a giant masterwork. Tackling it is like attempting to scale a mountain. And if you're going to do it properly and get the very best out of the experience (and make the massive investment in your time worthwhile), you will want someone with you along the way. And this is where this Companion is a real must.
The introductory essays and the other material are useful primers and help put everything into context (but they are far from exhaustive - more a primer and an aid for further reading). But the real value is the libretto. My recordings come with a libretto, but straining your eyes through a cd booklet is distracting. And then there's the quality of the translation itself - and believe me it makes a real difference to your enjoyment and understanding.
Wagner's language and versifying is deliberately archaic - even in German, so any translation is at first going to appear odd and almost difficult. But follow each line with this companion and you will see that the translation somehow not only captures the meaning, it follows the sense, rhythm, cadences and line length of the original - so as you listen, the english translation flows along seamlessly with the sung lines. After while you are not conscious of translating, but are in the action and going with the flow. And my, when you get caught up the flow of Wagner (with the volume turned right up of course) it is a totally absorbing and genuinely thrilling experience.
What's great too is that there are are references you can look back to later or read ahead and look up, and just enough stage directions added. Too much direction and you can't keep up. Without any you miss vital pieces of information and action - here you can 'see' as well as hear just enough not to miss anything.
A thoroughly recommended piece of work, and really glad I got hold of it before plunging in.
The introductory essays and the other material are useful primers and help put everything into context (but they are far from exhaustive - more a primer and an aid for further reading). But the real value is the libretto. My recordings come with a libretto, but straining your eyes through a cd booklet is distracting. And then there's the quality of the translation itself - and believe me it makes a real difference to your enjoyment and understanding.
Wagner's language and versifying is deliberately archaic - even in German, so any translation is at first going to appear odd and almost difficult. But follow each line with this companion and you will see that the translation somehow not only captures the meaning, it follows the sense, rhythm, cadences and line length of the original - so as you listen, the english translation flows along seamlessly with the sung lines. After while you are not conscious of translating, but are in the action and going with the flow. And my, when you get caught up the flow of Wagner (with the volume turned right up of course) it is a totally absorbing and genuinely thrilling experience.
What's great too is that there are are references you can look back to later or read ahead and look up, and just enough stage directions added. Too much direction and you can't keep up. Without any you miss vital pieces of information and action - here you can 'see' as well as hear just enough not to miss anything.
A thoroughly recommended piece of work, and really glad I got hold of it before plunging in.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
All the libretto's in one book.
This was a second hand purchase so, I was a little apprehensive about ordering it.
I need not have worried,it was in very good condition, just as they said it was,but,... Read more
I need not have worried,it was in very good condition, just as they said it was,but,... Read more
Published 5 months ago by day
Great translation, very small type.
I got this book a little bit dismayed at the smallness of the text, and stage directions are in microscopic text. Read more
Published 19 months ago by E. Coolican
One for the Wagnerian.
Good if you are a Wagnerian having the libretto and comment plot laid out like this beats the booklet enclosed with CD's etc.
Published 21 months ago by hallucigenia
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