Was Richard Wagner the John T. Williams of his time?

[Jo498]

I think Wagner's libretti are all over the place. His often pseudo-medieval style (probably worst in the Ring, and it is "fake" insofar that it does not really resemble old Germanic or medieval middle high German poetry) usually only works in combination with music and many passages appear stilted or otherwise strange. But even an alliteration fest like "Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond" is not so bad when sung despite inviting parody and there are also sections that are touching and poetic and not even always over the top.
(I never got into Tannhäuser which is or used to be one of the most popular ones in German-speaking countries, because of the Pilgrim chorus etc. and both plot and libretto might have some contribution to my aversion.)

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

Lol... hurt more than a little implies disappointment in the one who caused the hurt.

Of course, most people know that Stravinsky's ouevre is worth more than the total of all the works of Richard Wagner and John T. Williams combined. 

Especially the opening of part 2 of Le Sacre du Printemps where R2-D2 and C-3PO land on Tattooine.

[Karl Henning]

Quite the contrary, Die Meistersinger has a superb libretto. Until that is it goes off the rails in the final scene, I mean the mean-spirited treatment of Beckmesser.

I do need to listen that one through . . . .

[Karl Henning]

There is a John Williams who is widely known by many involved with classical, well respected, and had a major repute long before the film composer came to prominence as the composer of the Star Wars soundtracks....
There are a number of classical fans who, when they see the name "John Williams," immediately first think, "the classical guitarist."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Williams_%28guitarist%29

Let alone this John Williams (as Shakespeare, with Burt Reynolds as a sort-of-Brando):

[Karl Henning]

"hurt" is anger without the necessary enthusiasm.

Thanks for the smile, friend!

[71 dB]

Am I the reason this thread exists? 

[Karl Henning]

Am I the reason this thread exists? 

It's bigger than any of us

[(poco) Sforzando]

Am I the reason this thread exists? 

The sole reason, I assure you.

[Monsieur Croche]

On the other hand, Fafner turning out to be Siegfried's father would probably be a better plot twist.

That's what happens when you get your hands on an accursed bit of metal...
think Tolkien, and Gollum 

[amw]

That's what happens when you get your hands on an accursed bit of metal...
think Tolkien, and Gollum 

It is said that Howard Shore once attended a screening of Return of the Jedi and listened in ecstasy with his eyes tightly shut. Near the climax of the film, he was reportedly overheard whispering to a fellow audience member, "Why are the two masked men embracing?"

[Monsieur Croche]

It is said that Howard Shore once attended a screening of Return of the Jedi and listened in ecstasy with his eyes tightly shut. Near the climax of the film, he was reportedly overheard whispering to a fellow audience member, "Why are the two masked men embracing?"

"Well, Howie, they're, uh, fond of each other."

[Florestan]

I think Wagner's libretti are all over the place. His often pseudo-medieval style (probably worst in the Ring, and it is "fake" insofar that it does not really resemble old Germanic or medieval middle high German poetry) usually only works in combination with music and many passages appear stilted or otherwise strange.

This article is very illuminating in this respect: Schopenhauer reads Wagner.

[(poco) Sforzando]

This article is very illuminating in this respect: Schopenhauer reads Wagner.

Wieland Wagner had to explain some of his grandfather's more bizarre language to the cast singing the Ring at Bayreuth. I remember when studying German in college, I told my professor that I had acquired some of the language from listening to Wagner's operas. She was sufficiently incensed to remark, "You will not take the operas of Richard Wagner as a model for a good German style!"

[Karl Henning]

You vill NOT take ze operas of Richard Wagner as a model for a good Cherman style!

[mc ukrneal]

You vill NOT take ze operas of Richard Wagner as a model for a good Cherman style!

[Karl Henning]

The Norns in a Regietheater production? Sweet!

[mc ukrneal]

The Norns in a Regietheater production? Sweet!

I know nothink!