An admirable, welcome effort to illuminate one of the most significant artistic achievements of the modern age.
The noted philosopher and writer takes on Richard Wagner's operatic masterpiece in this thorough critical study.
The cultural resonance of "Ride of the Valkyries" has helped ensure the lasting fame of Wagner's four-opera cycle Ring of the Nibelung, which premiered in 1876, outside of the world of opera, while its continued influence on music and the dramatic arts secures its creative legacy. Though that legacy has been tainted by the historical association of Wagner's music with the Nazi regime, as well as his own anti-Semitic writings, there is no denying the greatness of his artistic achievement. Scruton (Confessions of a Heretic: Selected Essays, 2017, etc.) views the stigma attached to Wagner's work as a mistake in need of correction. Despite Wagner’s personal failings, his "vision is nevertheless as important to the times in which we live as it was to those of its creator.” The author argues that most modern productions of the cycle fail to adhere to this vision: to illuminate the truth of the human condition, with art replacing religion in that role. Though the scope of the subject matter may seem intimidating, Scruton lays out his argument in a clear, coherent, and readable manner. He addresses—but does not dismiss—the controversy over Wagner's personal views, details the cultural and historical background that informed his writing, and helpfully recaps the story before turning to his own interpretation and analysis. The author also deals with the challenge of discussing the crucial import of the music on the meaning of the drama—not merely as an accompaniment to the words, but rather "the channel through which the emotions of the drama flow." An index detailing the various leitmotifs used in the cycle, while not unique to this work, is nonetheless of great use to readers seeking further insight. Scruton’s status as a pillar of British conservatism is reflected in his analysis, but it need not discourage readers of any political stripe from appreciating his wisdom.
An admirable, welcome effort to illuminate one of the most significant artistic achievements of the modern age.Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4683-1549-3
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Overlook
Review Posted Online: July 11, 2017
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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