"This book is a study of the prose writings of Richard Wagner and their relevance to an understanding of his music and drama, as well as their relation to music criticism and aesthetics in the nineteenth century in general."
Originally published: 1995.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 380-390, and index).
Wagner and the problematics of "absolute music" in the nineteenth century -- Beethoven reception and the hermeneutic impulse: "poetic ideas" and new forms -- Engendering music drama: opera and drama and its metaphors -- The "poetic-musical period" and the "evolution" of Wagnerian form -- Endless melodies -- Motives and motivations: leitmotif and "symphonic" drama.