Peter Franken’s Wagner Universe
Analyses, Performances, and Perspectives
The work of Richard Wagner has accompanied author and opera critic Peter Franken for many decades. This book combines his work analyses, essays, and performance reviews into a multifaceted portrait—a deeply personal Wagner universe.
From the intricate structures of Der Ring des Nibelungen to the broader stage traditions of Bayreuth, Franken illuminates the scores from both a historical and dramaturgical perspective. His informed analytical insights find their organic continuation in reviews of concrete productions—ranging from the iconic Festspielhaus to contemporary international music theater.
With profound knowledge, critical distance, and the clear vision of an experienced observer, Franken provides a calm point of orientation within the dense landscape of Wagner reception. A volume for anyone wishing to explore the master’s work through the eyes of a dedicated connoisseur.