E-grāmata: Annotated Ring Cycle: The Valkyrie (Die Walkure)

This volume is noteworthy for its inclusion of pen drawings by Mott and other relevant colorful historical illustrations placed throughout.... In this volumes robust introduction, Walter states that his annotations will center Wagners work (i.e., the Ring cycle) and its text as the authoritative sources (instead of drawing on outside commentaries and analyses of the opera). To that end, Walter uses his own English translations of the text of Die WalkuØre, keeping in mind the alliterative effects and rhyme scheme that were important to Wagners original German (which in Walters book is printed alongside the English). At the end of each act of Die WalkuØre, Walter gives a one-page review of its events and themes. Walters useful introduction to Wagners masterpiece breaks down the epic operas plot, musical motifs, and poetic structure into digestible pieces of information; ideal for readers with any amount of previous knowledge of the Ring cycle. * Library Journal * Lively and vivid, Frederick Paul Walters new translation will delight those familiar with the opera, while providing an inviting entry point for those who know the tale only through its role as a foundation work that has influenced everything from Bugs Bunny to The Lord of the Rings. The annotations are often wry and humorous, without in any way ceasing to be informative. The volumes numerous illustrations are a bonus, reminding the reader that this is a work meant to be seen and heard, not merely read. -- Jane Lindskold, New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper Saga This is a striking publication: in four large-format softbacks with vivid full-color covers, it is the work of Frederick Paul Walter, an American scriptwriter, fine-arts broad-caster and translator of several Jules Verne novels. * The Wagner Journal * [ D]ont be afraid: Walter is neither dumbing down nor "making relevant" Wagners complex masterwork. His English translations of Wagners libretti and stage directions are crisp and modern, his annotations and asides as perspicacious as they are breezy and entertaining. His hope is that newcomers and old-timers will each find that these volumes add pleasure and value to their enjoyment of The Ring. * Limelight Magazine * The main element of Walter's project, the translation of Wagner's poem, succeeds in its principal aim, which is "to provide a clear rendering of Wagner's libretto in modern English" and to give some idea of its alliteration, colloquialism, and humor. This is a tricky undertaking. * Wagner Society of North America * Walters Ring Cycle series is written for a general audience and, given the publishers cover designs and illustrations by Cliff Mott, will please readers of graphic novels as well. * The Paper - ABQ *