Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Richard Wagner with the 1967 album "Introduction to Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen; Siegfried Idyll; Kinderkatechismus." This compelling collection offers a deep dive into Wagner's monumental operatic cycle, "Der Ring des Nibelungen," guided by the insightful commentary of Deryck Cooke. The album spans 42 tracks, totaling approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Wagner's masterpiece.
The album begins with the enchanting "Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103," a serene and lyrical composition that showcases Wagner's ability to blend orchestral colors and melodies with remarkable sensitivity. Following this, the "Kinder-Katechismus, WWV 106," offers a lighter, more playful contrast, demonstrating Wagner's versatility as a composer.
The heart of the album lies in Deryck Cooke's meticulous introduction to "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Cooke's commentary is divided into 40 detailed sections, each focusing on different aspects of the opera's complex musical and thematic structure. From the fundamental symbols and nature motives to the intricate love motifs and the dramatic transformations, Cooke's analysis provides invaluable insights into Wagner's creative process and the deeper meanings behind the music.
This album is not just a listening experience but a journey through the rich tapestry of Wagner's musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned Wagner enthusiast or a newcomer to his work, this collection offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the depth and complexity of "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Richard Wagner's compositions, coupled with Deryck Cooke's expert guidance, make this album an essential addition to any classical music lover's collection.
Siegfried Idyll, WWV 103Richard Wagner, Wiener Philharmoniker, Walter Weller, Sir Georg Solti
Kinder-Katechismus, WWV 106Richard Wagner, Vienna Boys' Choir, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 1. Of All Great Musical Compositions (Ex.1-4)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 2. The Fundamental Symbol (Ex.5-11)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 3. Returning Now to the Nature Motive (Ex.12-16)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 4. A number of Further Motives (Ex.17-21)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 5. A second, Much Smaller Family (Ex.22-25)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 6. So Much for Nature (Ex.26-38)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 7. The Cause of the Deterioration (Ex.39-44)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 8. The Other Transformation (Ex.45-48)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 9. Several Other Motives (Ex.49-52)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 10. Two Further Motives (Ex.41,53-61)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 11. Basic Motive Associated With the Spear (Ex.62/68)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 12. Along Another, More Complex Line (Ex.69-72)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 13. In Act 2 of "Walküre" (Ex.69,73-75)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 14. Returning Now to Act 2 of "Walküre (Ex.76-79)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 15. Love Is Another of the Central Symbols (Ex.80-83)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 16. Later in the Same Scene (Ex.84-87)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 17. Freia's Motive Has 2 Independent Segments (Ex.88-91)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 18. The Label "Flight" (Ex.92)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 19. When Fasolt, in Scene 2 of "Rhinegold" (Ex.93-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 20. A Little Later in This Interlude (Ex.99-103)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 21. The Other New Motive (Ex.104-09)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 22. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives (Ex.110)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 23. The Characters in Whose Lives (Ex.115-120)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 24. One Further Motive Belongs (Ex.121)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 25. The Sword Motive Recurs (Ex.122-130)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 26. Ironically, This Phrase (Ex.131-5)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 27. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive (Ex.136-40)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 28. Here We Come to the End (Ex.141-6)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 29. Complementary to This Symbol (Ex.147-9)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 30. One Last Central Symbol (Ex.150-7)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 31. One Further Motive Connected (Ex.158-61)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 32. There Are 1 or 2 Motives (Ex.162-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 33. These Motives of Alberich & Mime (Ex.169-71)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 34. Quite a Number of Subsidiary Motives (Ex.172-6)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 35. Besides This Family of Motives (Ex.177-80)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 36. Our Final Example (Ex.10,181-2)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 37. In the Final Scene of "Götterdämmerung" (Ex.181-3)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 38. Even More Masterly (Ex.184-8)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 39. Now if We Return (Ex.189-91)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Der Ring des Nibelungen - An Introduction by Deryck Cooke: 40. This Masterly Way (Ex.192-3)Richard Wagner, Deryck Cooke, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti