Richard Wagner: The Last of the Titans

by Joachim Köhler

In this new biography of Richard Wagner, Joachim K hler draws on social and political analysis, documentary interpretation, and psychological insights to paint a rounded picture of Wagner as both a controversial historical phenomenon and a complex human being.
K hler's reading of the letters, diaries, and other documents of the main protagonists, some of them unfamiliar even to seasoned Wagnerians, results in some breathtaking but convincing reappraisals. He examines Wagner's love affairs with Jessie Laussot, Mathilde Wesendonck, and Judith Gautier and assesses their lasting emotional effect. He re-evaluates Wagner's relationships with his mother, step-father, sister, and--most revealingly--his wife, Cosima, a relationship seen as based on fear rather than love. K hler explores the philosophical roots of Wagner's work, which the composer himself deliberately obfuscated. And he analyzes Wagner's relationship with King Ludwig, whom Wagner is revealed to have blackmailed, and with Nietzsche, whom he tried to destroy.
The traumas of his youth haunted Wagner throughout his life, as his emotional development underlay his notorious anti-semitism. K hler's interpretation of Wagner's dreams, as recorded in Cosima's diaries, offers astonishing insights into the paranoia and insecurity of a man who was one of the leading composers of his age.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300104227
• ISBN13: 9780300104226
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 704 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.3" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Richard Wagner The Last of the Titans

The most thorough, most complete treatise concerning this master of German Opera I have ever encountered.

Kohler has an excellent book on the complex genius Wagner

Richard Wagner is the type of guy you would not want your daughter to date! Wagner (1813-1883) was an Anti-Semit of the worst sort. He was an egotist who borrowed money from friends never to be paid back. He disdained the friends and influential folk such as the composer Meyerbeer and H. Heine the poet who trumpeted his cause and aided his rise from obscurity. Wagner has the worst character of any major composer in this reviewer 's opinion. He was also a genius transforming opera into the music drama of the modern era whose psychological insights into the psyche were extraordinary. Kohler does an excellent job of telling the oft told tale of Wagner's life and works. I have read many books on Richard Wagner and this one hits the mark. Highly recommended for all music lovers!