MHST 530C Topics in the 19th Century: Wagner's Ring
This course is about Richard Wagner's monumental Ring of the Nibelung: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Central to the course are Wagner's compositional style, pioneering work in stagecraft, and artistic philosophy. We will also read some of the original literary sources for the "Ring" and learn about the artistic and social climate in which Wagner was able to succeed. Assignments will include short papers, quizzes, listening, reading, and presentations.