This handsome affordable volume includes the Overtures to The Flying Dutchman and Rienzi; the Overture and Introduction to Act III of Tannhäuser; the Preludes to Acts I and III of Lohengrin; the Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde; the Prelude to Act I of Parsifal; and the Prelude to Act I of Meistersinger.

A 1997 examination of the genesis, background and extra-compositional allusions of this controversial work.

Der fliegende Hollaender is the first of Wagner's operas that the author considered to be representative of his mature style. The Dutchman embodies one of the major themes that recur throughout Wagner's work: that of a central character seeking redemption from a loving woman. Originally taken from a story by Heinrich Heine, Wagner extended and enriched his musical and dramaturgical language to produce an opera of extraordinary power.An essay in the guide places the opera in the context of emerging German Romanticism, and another highlights the musical riches of the score. A further article explores the emerging importance of myth to Wagner and his contemporaries. As well as a detailed description of the work's performance history, the volume contains Wagner's own instructions to his performers and his programme note about the overture. Illustrations, a thematic guide, the full libretto with English translation and reference sections are also included.Contains:Behind Der fliegende Hollaender, John WarrackAn Introduction to Der fliegende Hollaender, John DeathridgeLoneliness, Love and Death, William VaughanHow Wagner Found the Flying Dutchman, Mike AshmanOf Storms and Dreams: Reflections on the Stage History of Der fliegende Hollaender, Katherine SyerThe Overture to Der fliegende Hollaender, Richard WagnerRemarks on Performing the Opera Der fliegende Hollaender, Richard WagnerDer fliegende Hollaender: Poem by Richard WagnerThe Flying Dutchman: English translation by Lionel Salter

Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, oh, my! The beginner's guide to classical music Classical Music For Dummies is a friendly, funny, easy-to-understand guide to composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more. Classical music is widely considered one of the pinnacles of human achievement, and this informative guide will shows you just how beautiful and rewarding it can be. You'll learn how Bach is different from Beethoven, how Mozart is different still, and why not all "classical" music is actually Classical if it's really Baroque or Romantic. You'll be introduced to the composers and their work, and discover the groundbreaking pieces that shake the world every time they're played. Begin building your classical music library with the essential recordings that define orchestral, choral, and operatic beauty as you get acquainted with the orchestras and musicians that bring the composers to life. Whether you want to play classical music or just learn more about it, Classical Music For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know to get the most out of this increasingly popular genre. Distinguish flute from piccolo, violin from viola, and trumpet from trombone Learn the difference between overtures, requiems, arias, and masses Explore the composers that shaped music as we know it Discover the recordings your music library cannot be without Classical music has begun sneaking into the mainstream — if your interest has been piqued, there's never been a better time to develop an appreciation for this incredibly rich, complex, and varied body of work. Classical Music For Dummies lays the groundwork, and demonstrates just how amazing classical music can be.