num_pages: 384
description: Presents an in-depth profile of the controversial German composer Richard Wagner, with a particular focus on his personal life, based on intensive research into the private papers of the Wagner family archives. His life fascinates - and obsesses - more people than that of any other composer in history. Adolf Hitler idolized him. Friedrich Nietzsche grew to loathe him. Thousands of articles and books try to explain the complex, charismatic genius who changed the face of music forever. But who was Richard Wagner? In this superb new biography, Derek Watson strips away the clouds of confusion and myth, the adoration and the hatred, that surround this remarkable life."The most authoritative biography to date . . . the most complete data, based on the largest number of primary sources. . . . lively, interesting reading . . . indispensable." - Choice “A sympathetic, but coolheaded and thoroughly realistic appraisal of the monstrous genius, his times, his friends, his passions and his phobias.” – Classical Music
language: English
title: Richard Wagner: A Biography
publisher: McGraw-Hill