Who‘s Who and What‘s What in Wagner aims to fill a notable gap in the extensive literature surrounding the works of Richard Wagner. It is a comprehensive reference work in which all the many complexities of character, plot and language in Wagner‘s operas, from Die Feen to Parsifal, are elucidated. For ease of reference the book is arranged alphabetically in the style of an encyclopaedia. Herein will be found succinct synopses of all the operas; in-depth biographies of all the characters; a lexicon of difficult words and phrases; plus an appendix comprising a select bibliography and discography. Whether the reader be a casual opera lover, or specialist involved in the production or performance of Wagner‘s works, this book will prove to be an invaluable companion. Contents include: Alphabetical Listing including: 86 in-depth character studies; Synopsis for each of the 13 operas; Over 1,000 further entries about names, places and artifacts that feature in Wagner‘s works; Index.
In the belief that the opera composer's starting point is always the text, this volume aims solely to elucidate the text of Wagner's work and the concepts which underlie it. Reference is made to the music only when it is considered necessary.
