Classic dramatic structure requires that a play feature a climax—a single moment in the action, necessary to the narrative, when the protagonist achieves self-awareness, accepts fate, and performs the action that the plot requires. In Hamlet, it is the moment that prompts his declaration “The point envenomed too? Then, venom, do thy work,” and fatally […]
After just an unconscionably long time, I have finally got to page 319 of Richard H. Bell’s fine study, Wagner’s Parsifal: An Appreciation in the Light of His Theological Journey. I am very grateful to Mr. Bell for his discipline and erudition, and for shedding light on both the splendid final work of this master […]
Readers of this blog will know that the broad condemnations of Peter Gelb’s leadership at the Metropolitan Opera seem to me like warnings of falling asteroids — they simply don’t conform to my personal experience. And the just-closed run of Parsifal is in keeping with this record. It was impeccably cast, ravishingly played, movingly conducted, thrillingly […]
The gifted actress Katarina Dalayman took time off from her performing, teaching, coaching and all of her other responsibilities to join the “Singers Roundtable” at the Wagner Society’s seminar on Sunday. We were discussing Kundry when she made the following very interesting points (my summary, not hers): Here we have someone who, for her sin, is condemned […]
The Wagner Society of New York will offer its 33rd Annual Seminar from Noon to 5:15 p.m. on Sunday February 24, 2013. The Seminar, on Parsifal, will be held at the Dicapo Opera Theatre, 184 East 76th Street (between Lexington and 3rd Avenues). The level of erudition and of entertainment at these seminars is equally […]
The Wagner Blog is a forum for discussion of contemporary themes arising from the works of Richard Wagner. Discussions relating to Wagner’s musical, literary, theatrical, philosophical, political and theoretic work are all appropriate for this forum.
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