Overture to Tannhauser

About this book

The operas of the German composer Richard Wagner had a revolutionary influence on the course of Western music. Unlike most opera composers, Wagner wrote both the libretto and the music for each of his works. He went on to revolutionise the music form through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), by which he sought to synthesise the poetic, visual, musical and dramatic arts, with music subsidiary to drama. He achieved these ideas most fully in his epic cycle of operas 'Der Ring des Nibelungen', notable for complex textures, rich harmonies and the elaborate use of leitmotifs. Delphi’s Great Composers Series offers concise illustrated guides to the life and works of our greatest composers. Analysing the masterworks of each composer, these interactive eBooks include links to popular streaming services, allowing you to listen to the pieces of music you are reading about. Evaluating the masterworks of each composer, you will explore the development of their works, tracing how they changed the course of music history. Whether a classical novice or a cultivated connoisseur, this series offers an intriguing overview of the world’s most famous and iconic compositions. This volume presents Wagner’s masterworks in succinct detail, with informative introductions, accompanying illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus features. (Version 1) Concise and informative overview of Wagner’s masterworks Learn about the operas that made Wagner a celebrated composer Links to popular streaming services (free and paid), allowing you to listen to the masterpieces you’re reading about Features a special ‘Complete Compositions’ section, with an index of Wagner’s complete works and links to streaming services English translations of the librettos for the major operas, including works appearing for the first time in digital print A wide selection of the composer’s prose works, including fiction, pioneering essays and Wagner’s celebrated autobiography Includes Wagner’s lett