Libretto in German with a facing literal translation

From its conception in 1857 to its first performances in 1882, Parsifal represented the culmination of the themes that preoccupied Wagner during the latter part of his life. This guide includes a series of articles on Wagner’s profound and complex opera, which the composer preferred to call a Bühnenweihfestspiel – a “Stage Consecration Festival Play”. Dieter Borchmeyer discusses the mythological foundations of Parsifal and its relation to Wagner’s earlier works. Barry Emslie’s thought-provoking piece explores the “virtues of sin” in Wagner’s last opera. Robin Holloway provides a study of Parsifal’s musical motifs, followed by Carolyn Abbate’s article, which examines the relation between music and drama in the opera. Gerd Rienäcker contributes an essay on the dramaturgy, and analyses some of the major scenes. Finally, Mike Ashman writes about Parsifal on the stage.

The present edition contains a literal translation of the libretto opposite the original German text, a number of photographs covering a wide chronology to the present day, a comprehensive thematic guide, a bibliography and discography, as well as DVD and website guides. It will prove an essential companion for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Wagner’s final masterpiece.

Contains:

Recapitulation of a Lifetime, Dieter Borchmeyer

Parsifal: The Profanity of the Sacred, Barry Emslie

Experiencing Music and Imagery in Parsifal, Robin Holloway

Parsifal: Words and Music, Carolyn Abbate

Discursions into the Dramaturgy of Parsifal, Gerd Rienäcker

Parsifal on the Stage, Mike Ashman

Parsifal: Poem by Richard Wagner

Parsifal: English Translation by Lionel Salter

For a full list of Overture Opera Guides in association with English National Opera click here