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Gotterdämmerung

Richard Wagner's vast Ring cycle, comprising four full-length operas, is arguably the most extraordinary achievement in the history of opera. His libretto to the work is more than a literary work of art: its intricate system of metric patterns, imaginative metaphors, ample use of alliteration - together with its singability - combine to create something unique, so that the music is embedded in the text. This volume presents Rudolph Sabor's translation of the libretto to the final opera of the tetralogy, Gotterdammerung. This new translation, which runs side-by-side with the German text, preserves the original metre and elucidates the complexities of Wagner's intricate libretto. It is unprecedented in presenting next to the translation not only a running commentary on the drama but also the names of the leitmotifs as they occur. The translation is supplemented by scene-by-scene synopses, short discussions of each leitmotif new to each scene, a discography, videography, and full bibliography. Lists of all motifs in the opera and all motifs in the Ring cycle conclude the volume. Rudolph Sabor has also translated the librettos to the other three operas of the cycle, and a companion volume of essays relating to Wagner's Ring completes the series. Ranging from a discussion of Wagner's Literary sources to a review of the Ring's performance history, the essays provide a prodigious treasury of information for the Wagner enthusiast. The books can be enjoyed individually or as a series; either way they will equip the Wagner enthusiast with a fund of information to make the Ring journey more rewarding.

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: Phaidon Press (October 23, 1997)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0714836540

ISBN-13: 978-0714836546

Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 0.8 x 9 inches

Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces

Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,884,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #151 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Wagner #1415 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Opera #22553 in Books > Reference > Foreign Language Study & Reference

Sabor has written the must have resource for really understanding Gotterdämmerung. His english translations side by side the original german is incredibly helpful, along with calling out specific leitmotifs in the margin. It's been an incredible asset to me.

Gotterdämmerung