Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung by Stewart Spencer, Barry Millington, Richard Wagner
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Book Reviews of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung
Book Review: Great addition to any Wagner library
Summary: 5 Stars
This book would be an excellent addition to anyone interesting in Wagner's Ring cycle for a number of reasons.
First, the translation, which takes up three quarters of the book, is well done, with German and English directly compared on a line by line basis, complete with alternate or discarded or rejected versions of the libretto included in an appendix. The translation itself seems outstanding; some of Wagner's phrasing is difficult or impossible to directly translate into English, but even in the most convoluted or confusing cases the result is clear and compelling.
Second, there is a thematic guide to many of the most important leitmotifs Wagner developed (67 in this case), and in the translation of the libretto the authors have noted where these occur on a line by line, or sequential basis. This is of tremendous help as a reference for further study when listening and relistening to the music.
Third, while there is only little commentary on the operas and on Wagner's compositional journey through the Ring, there are a few photos from past performances, comparing vastly different sets for the same scenes, which are interesting. There could have been quite a bit more of this.
Finally, the glossary of character names could be useful to the student.
Overall, this is an excellent resource and reference to use while listening to the Ring, and for analyzing Wagner's libretto itself.
Book Review: The most compelling translation in the English language
Summary: 5 Stars
My first English Ring was Andrew Porter's "singable" translation. It was my introduction to a world of sound-rhymes that is difficult to render even in German (a running joke in Bayreuth was that singers were asked to first translate the text to German, before starting work!!!). When my focus turned to meaning of words and sentences, I've discovered the Spencer translation, the most up-to-date version available in English. Besides an annotated text (with alternate endings included - previous versions of course...), comparing word roots with Wagner's own sources, we are also presented with introductory essays by Wagner scholars, filled with insight and devoid of one-sidedness so common in music scholarship. For everyone looking for THE version of Der Ring in English.Book Review: An Excellent Resource to Wagner's Ring
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is an invaluable resource to Wagner's Ring cycle. The translation presented in this book is excellent. The translation is complete, and is an accurate translation from German. The author also included several essays in the book. They talk about the Ring cycle's musical structure, the sources of the Ring cycle, and Wagner's attitude toward the cycle. The reviews of CDs and videos of the Ring cycle, at the end of the book, are also invaluable. If you are looking for a libretto of Wagner's Ring, then you should definately get this book.Book Review: Thank you, Mr. Spencer
Summary: 5 Stars
Thank you, Mr. Spencer. You have given us something very special. You have given us a complete English translation of Der Ring Des Nibelungen, and it's possibly the most Wagnerian translation ever put on paper. You have given us more knowledge about the Ring Cycle by giving us commentaries about Wagner and his mission to change the way we look at operas. You have also given us B & W pictures of recent renderings of the Ring Cycle, from the Bayreuth Festival to the New York Metropolitan Opera. And for that, we are very grateful. A+Book Review: Excellent summaries and translations of the operas
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a very useful set of libretti and translations. The introductory material and the synopses are also of great use.