Review (PDF) Verdi And/or Wagner: Two Men, Two Worlds, Two Centuries
“Offers beautifully written considerations of the masters’ affinities and divergences and much else besides.” ―Operavore This is the first book to compare these two composers and cultural heroes, both of whom were born in 1813 and achieved huge national and international renown in their lifetimes. Yet not only did they never meet, but the differences between them―in music, culture, environment, significance, and legacy―were profound. Peter Conrad begins his tale in a public park in Venice, home to a pair of statues of the composers that are positioned so as to appear to shun each other. This provides a fitting starting point for his argument that they represent two opposite yet equally integral and compelling dimensions of European culture: north versus south, cerebral versus sensual, proud solitude versus human connection, epic mythmaking versus humane magnanimity. The book is a richly argued tour de force that engages passionately and profoundly with music, biography, history, politics, philosophy, psychology, and culture in the broadest sense. As Conrad concludes, “At one time or another, if not simultaneously, we still need the two contradictory, complementary kinds of music that Verdi and Wagner left us.” 51 illustrations, 24 in color
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Thames & Hudson; 1 edition (April 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0500290857
ISBN-13: 978-0500290859
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 1.6 x 9.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #441,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #15 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Verdi #28 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Wagner #304 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Opera
“ Well-researched, immensely absorbing...adds captivating context. ” (Cool Hunting)“Epic in scope. . . . An intriguing . . . study in contrasts. For opera buffs, cultural critics, and fans.” (Library Journal) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Peter Conrad is the author of over twenty books, including Creation, How the World Was Won, and Verdi and/or Wagner.
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