Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama

Do we need another book on Wagner? Just when it seems we're in danger of becoming overloaded with books examining all aspects of the man and his art (some from very shaky foundations), along comes another one soon enough. But this fascinating new book thankfully doesn't seek to either place Richard Wagner on a pedestal and turn him into a religion, or knock him down and blame him for everything from the rise of atonality to the rise of the Nazis. Perfect for both the newcomer to Wagner's art, wondering quite what it is that makes Wagnerians swoon so much over these unique achievements in music and drama, or the long-standing Wagnerite who will glean fresh and fascinating new insights into the musikdramas (as Dr. Vernon calls them, and explains why in his introduction). Each of the ten canonical works are given a chapter each, with a concise summary of the plots provided as an appendix. Both the contents of the music and the drama are considered, with some history as to their background and composition. The uglier sides of Wagner's personality are not ignored or played down, but neither is he portrayed as the irredeemable monster in some of the more hysterical books on him. But in a refreshing change, Wagner the revolutionary socialist is shown to cast a longer shadow on the works than many previous authors have perhaps engaged with. Although Lohengrin was composed during Wagner's radical Utopian Socialist (as Marx might've called him) phase, until now I'd never considered those views to be especially present in the work until I'd read the chapter discussing it. This is an excellent addition in what has been a good couple of years for Wagner literature. This can be placed alongside Alex Ross's recent book Wagnerism and the Cambridge Companion to Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen edited by Mark Berry and Nicholas Vazsonyi as bringing fresh insights into Wagner's works, an essential addition to any music lovers shelf. Absorbing reading, and with a lovely dedication to a very fine exponent of Wagner's art, Karita Mattila.

David Vernon’s new book is an insightful journey through the operatic works of Richard Wagner, and a rattling good read. Vernon’s writing style is vivid, colourful and, most crucially, crystal clear. Meanwhile, his central theme - the unique, revolutionary nature of Wagner’s “musikdrama” - is convincing, compellingly and knowledgeably argued. The book takes each of Wagner’s mature works in turn and guides us through their varying natures, charting the development of Wagner’s ideas and aims over time. Vernon explicitly avoids dealing with too much of Wagner’s biographical details, except where they have a direct impact on the operas themselves; but despite clearly being an ardent Wagner fan, he doesn’t shy away from the more problematic aspects of the composer’s work when those moments arise. This book’s ideal reader might be someone who has dipped their toes into Wagner’s music and liked what they’ve heard, and now seeks a guide towards further understanding what lies deeper within the dramas themselves. But hardcore Wagner fans, not to mention those who make a living from performing his works, will also find a great deal into which to sink their teeth. Included at the end are pithy synopses of each opera, as well as suggestions for further reading which are well-judged and not too overwhelming. Overall, this is a valuable addition to any Wagnerian’s library - highly recommended.

This one of the most interesting and insightful books I have read on the music dramas of r Richard Wagner. Dr Vernon combines musical and textual analysis with a clear concise and very engaging exploration of these works which I believe will open them up to new audiences. For example his thoughts on the giant Fasolt as the first hero of the Ring got me to re-think this narrative of the Ring. He has an incredibly powerful and engaging prose style. I recommend listening to one of your fav recordings of each of Wagners works as you read Dr Vernon’s excellent and innovative analysis and thoughts. Highly recommend!

This fine book is detailed and well researched - no doubt at all that it adds a great deal of "context" to the Wagner story. Dr Vernon is passionate and informed as to his subject. However, like Dr Vernon's Mahler book 'Beauty and Sadness - Mahler's 11 Symphonies', there seems to be an issue - Dr Vernon does not reference his sources and fails to provide an index at the end of the book. This is unfortunate as referencing sources and providing an index can ensure the reader can go on and research further as well as being confident with the information thus read. I'm sure the information is true and reliable; but academic writers should have no problem in referencing sources and providing an index. As with his Mahler book, should a revised edition be considered, may I suggest Dr Vernon provides a full referencing of sources and an index. By doing so, his books should receive full academic positioning.

Truly the most useful book written about Wagner’s operas ever written. No over intellectual narrative, a clear understanding of how these work function as music dramas and their importance to the world. Dr David Vernon is an important writer and his enthusiasm for his subject is obvious. Looking forward to his future contributions. This book is highly recommended

I love these insights into what is important to take notice of. The more I learn about Wagner's music the more I get out of it. Good to read from start to finish and then invaluable in preparation for a visit to a performance.

Gives a thoughtful insight to work of Wagner. Need to be an appreciator of his work. Not for all. Try it.

Wagner's art was the greatest discovery of my life. And this book is a great big love letter to Wagner. Bravo! I am on my second read-through.

Eighty-plus years ago I began to spend my weekly allowance to buy a Metropolitan Opera book for children, each one summarizing in beguiling pictures and prose a different opera. I understood and loved those books and they taught me a lot. While I’m far better versed in the art now than I was then, I’m overjoyed when I come upon a book that opens a new door and gives a new name to a beloved musical form in vibrant and totally approachable prose. This book is simply tops in every way: if only I‘d had it for my long-ago Wagner-appreciation course in college. Hooray, David Vernon!

Congratulations to Dr. Vernon on this highly enjoyable and informative book. "Disturbing the Universe" accompanied me on a recent trip to the deserts of California for a needed holiday, and I was thrilled to bring Dr. Vernon's colorful and illustrative tome along. A fantastic book about the inner-workings of Wagner musikdrama, while remaining light and adventurous. I couldn't recommend it more!