The above forms an introduction to Wagner's Prose Writings.
WAGNER'S "PARSIFAL." And the Bayreuth Fest-Spielhaus. By N. KILBURN. Paper, 1s. net.
WAGNER SKETCHES, 1849. A Historical Retrospect in vindication of Wagner. By WILLIAM ASHTON ELLIS. Cloth, 3s. 6d. net (paper 2s. net).
OPERA AND DRAMA. By RICHARD WAGNER. Translated by EDWIN EVANS, Senior, F.R.C.O. Vol. I: Part I. Opera and the Essence of Music. Part II. The Stage-Play and Dramatical Poetic Art in the Abstract. Vol. II: Part III. Poetry and Music in the Drama of the Future. The Three Parts in 2 vols. Portrait. Crown 8vo, cloth, 30s. net.
The value of the study of Wagner's prose writing as an education to the musical student cannot be over-estimated, and amongst these prose writings "Opera and Drama" may be considered his principal critical and theoretical production. Without a study of its contents no true and lasting understanding of opera can be arrived at.
Wagner writing to his friend Uhlig said:
"Here you have my testament; I may as well die now—anything further that I could do seems to me a useless piece of luxury."
ERNEST NEWMAN in "A Study of Wagner," writes: "Although there appears here and there in his prose-work something of the vast synthetic power of his musical imagination—such a work as 'Opera and Drama,' for instance, finally compelling our admiration for its tenacity of purpose and the breadth of vision that sweeps so far before and after."
WAGNER'S PROSE WORKS. Translated by WM. ASHTON ELLIS. Vol. I, The Art-Work of the Future, etc., 21s. net; Vol. II, Opera and Drama, 25s. net; Vol. III, The Theatre, 21s. net; Vol. IV, Art and Politics, 21s. net; Vol. V., Actors and Singers, out of print; Vol. VI, Religion and Art, out of print; Vol. VII, In Paris and Dresden, 25s. net; Vol. VIII, Posthumous, etc., 25s. net. Complete sets are occasionally available. Apply to the publishers of this list for particulars.
DIARY OF A PILGRIM IN THE NETHERLANDS. The Holy Grail in Bruges and Other Impressions of Travel. Bruges, Courtrai, Tournai, Amsterdam, the Hague, Antwerp. By ROSE KOENIG. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net (paper covers, 2s. net).
HOW TO UNDERSTAND WAGNER'S "RING OF THE NIBELUNG." Being the Story and a Descriptive Analysis of the "Rheingold," the "Valkyr," "Siegfried" and the "Dusk of the Gods." With Musical Examples of the Leading Motives of each Drama. By GUSTAVE KOBBE. Together with a Sketch of Wagner's Life. By N. KILBURN, Mus.Bac. Cantab. Seventh Edition, with Additions, a Portrait and Facsimile. Post 8vo, cloth, 7s. 6d. net.
"Description and analysis go hand in hand with the narration of the story. Musical examples are given as aids to the identification of the leading motives and an index makes it easy for any reader to turn up any particular motive instantly."—Yorkshire Observer.
MY RECOLLECTIONS OF RICHARD WAGNER. By AUGUST LESIMPLE. Post 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net (paper covers, 2s. net).