Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung

Translating the text of Richard Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung is a monumental task that few have successfully undertaken. Here, however, Stewart Spencer has achieved a meticulous version which is both reliable and readable, yet which adheres closely to Wagner’s poetic intentions. The German text is given in parallel, and Spencer also contributes illuminating footnotes and an introductory essay.

Other specially commissioned essays discuss the Cycle’s musical structure, its philosophical implications, its medieval sources and Wagner’s own changing attitude to its meaning. An appendix of Wagner’s rejected versions, copious notes on the translation, a glossary of the names of characters in the Ring, an extensive bibliography, and reviews of ‘Ring Cycle’ CD- and video-recordings conclude the volume.

Armed with this essential complement to Wagner’s masterwork, the newcomer can approach it with confidence, while for those already in its thrall there are new ideas, up-to-date research and fresh insights.

Author Biography

Stewart Spencer taught medieval German language and literature at London University before retiring to devote himself to writing and translating. He is co-editor, with Barry Millington, of Selected Letters of Richard Wagner and Wagner in Performance. He is the author of Wagner Remembered.

Barry Millington is chief music critic for the London Evening Standard and the editor of The Wagner Journal. He has written and edited, or co-edited, seven books on Wagner, including The Wagner Compendium, The Ring of the Nibelungen: A Companion and the New Grove Guide to Wagner and his Operas.