Nicholas John (–1996)

This is a nice, German-language e-book of Richard Wagner's libretto for his last opera Parsifal. Although the opera itself is very long the libretto is actually a fairly short read.

The story revolves around the knights of the Holy Grail who have managed to lose the holy lance that was used to stab Jesus. It was taken by an evil sorcerer across the mountains from their castle. The sorcerer has surrounded himself with beautiful maidens who try to seduce any of the knights that try to retrieve the lance. Seducing them will mean they have broken their vow to remain chaste while serving as Grail knights.

When Parsifal appears he is described as a simpleton or even as a fool. He is, however, capable of reducing the seductions and is able to retrieve the lance and conquer the evil sorcerer. The attempted seduction of Parsifal is echoed later with Sir Galahad in Monty Python' and the Holy Grail.… (more)

Opera can come across as an elitist musical form. Performances are expensive to attend and one is expected to dress and behave in a certain fashion. I find this sad. Mozart did not write Die Zauberflote as an excluding, but as an educational opera. This little book helps to de-mystify the work. It does not patronise, it explains in a way that even an operatic novice, such as myself, can simply comprehend.

In just 128 pages, this book manages to include a synopsis, a history of performances and a libretto. This is such an aid to the understanding of Mozart's last opera that I cannot begin to express my gratitude. This is a book to read, re-read and have to hand every time that one places the disc on to the record deck, or CD player - and let's be honest, that should be frequently!

The back cover of my copy of this book shows that 39 other operas have been given this wonderful treatment: I shall add as many as I am able to my collection!… (more)