[PDF] Wagner Without Fear: Learning to Love--and Even Enjoy--Opera's Most Demanding Genius by William Berger in Arts-Photography

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Enjoyable Overview of Wagner and His Major OperasBy J. GroenIm just getting into Wagners music having seen The Ring performed twice by the Seattle Opera and a couple of other Wagner Operas. I found this book in the Seattle Opera store. took a look at it and decided to buy it to read it on my Kindle while I was enjoying this years cycle of The Ring.I was not disappointed. I suppose that some individuals take offense to sections that describe when to eat and go to the bathroom and highlight some of the challenging spots to be prepared for when attending a Wagner Opera. But this book wasnt written for the Wagner experts. It was written for the novices and the individuals who want to explore Wagners Operas in more detail but are. quite frankly. concerned. That is why the book is called "Wagner Without Fear". It helps the novice to get prepared for and enjoy a Wagner Opera.And the book does an excellent job of preparing the newbee to Wagner Operas. This must be a reason why the Seattle Opera has copies of it for sale because that organization does an excellent job of performing Wagners Ring. And personally. I found the book quite helpful. In November. Im seeing Parsifal and Im a little leery but the book provides a good quide for preparation and thanks to the book. I will enjoy that opera. Im sure.I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Wagners Operas but has some concerns.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Berger is King of Wagnerite ValhallaBy C. M MillsAmerican humorist Mark Twain wryly obeserved. "Wagners operas are not as bad as they sound!" With wit. warmth. expertise and instructions on rest room breaks this book will enterain you! Berger is a musician and linguist who is able to explain the byzantinian plots of Wagnerian opera with simplicyh. conciseness and humor. As an opera fan with a general knowledge of Wagner I found the book useful. Useful because:1. He has a good plot synopsis of each major Wagner opera2. He gives a brief but adequate sketch of the life of the titatnic German anti-semtic genius.3. Berger includes the best books. CDs and videos for the neophyte as well as the experienced fan of a titanic but flawed genius. Relish Bergers witty style as you learn more about a great artist. Highly recommended.9 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Bravo for Berger as he explores the Bayreuth Genius.By C. M MillsBy all accounts Richard Wagner was an antisemtic bigot who practiced the art of adultery. seduction and other nefarious activities in nineteenth century Europe. He was also a musical genius who revolutionized the staid world of opera. William Berger gives the reader a guide written in a popular. witty yet erudite style which enchants as it enterains. Berger provides us with plot summaries of the major Wagner operas while adding chapters dealing with everything from a bibliograpy of valuable books on Wagner; a chapter on Wagner on CDs and even when to plan for bathroom breaks during interminable evenings of Wagner watching in the theatre! I found his description of the ambience at Bayreuth to be a fascinating glimpse of the mecca for all true Wagnerites making the pilgrimage to the shirne of the Master. This book will be a welcome addition to newcomers to the art of Wagner as well as seasoned operagoers. I will keep this book on my shelf for easy access while whiling away Saturday afternoons tuned in to the Met or enjoying an evening of Tristan and Isolde on my Bose radio. Berger is readable and opinionated. This book comes highly recommended by this reviewer.