The Perfect Wagnerite A Commentary On The Niblung's Ring

An in-depth examination of Richard Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen," the commentary explores the opera cycle through the lenses of mythology, character dynamics, and socio-political themes. Shaw argues that the narrative reflects societal reform, interpreting the fall of the gods and the return of the ring as symbols of oppressive systems' collapse and the potential for an egalitarian future. His distinctive wit and intellectual depth offer a multifaceted perspective, blending musical analysis with broader cultural and historical contexts, making it a thought-provoking exploration of Wagner’s work.