Parsifal Of Richard Wagner At

Parsifal

From its conception in 1857 to its first performances in 1882, Parsifal represented the culmination of the themes that preoccupied Wagner during the latter part of his life.This guide includes a series of articles on Wagner's profound and complex opera, which the composer preferred to call a Bühnen­weihfestspiel - a 'Stage Consecration Festival Play'. Dieter Borchmeyer discusses the mythological foundations of Parsifal and its relation to Wagner's earlier works. Barry Emslie's thought-provoking piece explores the 'virtues of sin' in Wagner's last opera. Robin Holloway provides a study of Parsifal's musical motifs, followed by Carolyn Abbate's article, which examines the relation between music and drama in the opera. Gerd Rienäcker contributes an essay on the dramaturgy, and analyses some of the major scenes. Finally, Mike Ashman writes about Parsifal on the stage.The present edition contains a literal translation of the libretto opposite the original German text, a number of photographs covering a wide chronology to the present day, a comprehensive thematic guide, a bibliography and discography, as well as DVD and website guides. It will prove an essential companion for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Wagner's final masterpiece.English National Opera, based at the London Coliseum, is a creative and vibrant home for compelling, high quality theatrical productions created by imaginative stage directors and designers from across the arts, performed by leading British and international artists.

Wagner’s Parsifal

Parsifal, Wagner's final opera, is considered by many to be one of the greatest religious musical works ever composed; but it is also one of the most difficult to understand and many have questioned whether it can be considered a "Christian" work at all. Added to this is the furious debate that has surrounded the composer as an anti-Semite, racist, and inspiration for Hitler. Richard Bell addresses such issues and argues that despite any personal failings Wagner makes a fundamental theological contribution through his many writings and ultimately in Parsifal which, he argues, preaches Christ crucified in a way that can never be captured by words alone. He argues that Wagner offers a vision of the divine and a "theology of Good Friday" that can both function as profound therapy and address current theological controversies.

The Parsifal of Richard Wagner at Bayreuth, 1894