An Introduction to Richard Wagner's Der Ring Des Nibelungen: A Handbook

Rating:
Summary: good book,but lacked knowlage and enthusiasim of Wagner
Review: I am a true Wagnarian. Der Gotterdammerung is my favorute opera. The Rhine Madiens in this book where not described acuretly.

Rating:
Summary: Very useful before or after first Ring experience
Review: Professor Cord's book proved very useful to me when I attended the Ring cycle at the S.F. Opera in June 1999. I had watched the N.Y. Met video tapes, and read up on the four operas, but Cord's book gives extensive background information to help you understand the context in which the operas were created and first performed. The S.F. Opera was selling this handbook to its patrons and it turned out Professor Cord was sitting two rows ahead of us. His enthusiasm, love, respect and knowledge of Wagner are clear.You can read the book before attending or, if your prefer, after the experience to clarify questions and insights you have had. I recommend it as a wonderful starting point for anyone exploring Wagner's Ring.