Fantasy, geography, Wagner, and opera

Journal/Book: Geogr Rev. 1998; 88: 120 Wall St, Ste 100, New York, NY 10005, USA. Amer Geographical Soc. 327-348.

Abstract: Wilhelm Richard Wagner fused fantasy based on epic and lore with seamless scores, using landscapes and urban images to forge spatial order on stage. As a footloose composer-conductor, Wagner was considered a globetrotter for his time, and from trans-European tours he drew inspiration for numerous stagings. Nine of his operas have rustic pastoral settings, with actors silhouetted against geological formations, forests, vistas of undulating terrain for pilgrimages, or raging seas, all visually believable scenery. Rienzi and Die Meistersinger yon Nurnberg are urban in setting, whereas Die Feen and Das Liebesverbot are set in a castle-like format.

Note: Article Sternberg R, Montclair State Univ, Upper Montclair,NJ 07043 USA

Keyword(s): aesthetics; landscape; opera; Wilhelm Richard Wagner; MUSIC

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