Gtterdmmerung (Twilight of the Gods)

Richard Wagners fifteen-hour operatic cycle The Ring of the Nibelung ends with this great music drama. Michael Tanners essay tackles the scale and meaning not just of this work but of Wagners whole undertaking, showing that Gtterdmmerung is for all its length his fastest-moving drama. Composer Robin Holloway brings the focus of creative genius to his discussion of the score, while Christopher Winkles article analyses Brunnhildes concluding monologue. The ninety numbered musical themes of the Thematic Guide are cross-referenced to the other Ring guides. Contents: An Introduction to the End, Michael Tanner; Motif, Memory and Meaning in Twilight of the Gods, Robin Holloway; The Questionable Lightness of Being: Brunnhildes Peroration to The Ring, Christopher Wintle; Gtterdmmerung: Poem by Richard Wagner; Twilight of the Gods: English translation by Andrew Porter