By Eduardo
28-Jul-2009

UNDERSTANDING WAGNER  I have loved Wagner´s music for many years, first the symphonic excerpts of his operas (Death Love of Tristan und Isolde, for instance) and then the operas themselves, but I have always realized that this is music that can always be more enjoyable if you understand what was in Wagner´s mind when he composed it, and his new musical ideas. This record is a very important contribution towards that, as it explains many of these things, illustrating these explanations with very adequate musical examples. I have found it of great value.more....

By James McCarthy
Limelight
01-Apr-2008

As far as I can ascertain, this is the first analysis of The Ring on Cd since Deryck Cooke’s groundbreaking recording in 1969. It is splendid…Stephen Johnson, noted broadcaster and critic, takes a more generalist approach. In this he has made a very user-friendly essay that will not only be of considerable use for Wagnerites, but also be a ready tool for generating interest and love for the great work amongst those who know little or nothing about it. I particularly like the way Johnson cuts to the essentials of the story, explaining the key elements and using appropriate musical examples as he goes. …He also has a splendid and engaging speaking voice; one that has all the hallmarks of a storyteller. He does not resile from the controversy over Wagner’s anti-Semitism, nor how it was used by the Nazi’s to support their odious propaganda. However, he does explain this misuse, whilst not giving Wagner any racialist Brownie points along the way. …This double CD will make a brilliant gift for music and opera lovers and especially younger people.