My Life with Wagner is primarily a memoir of Christian Thielemann, the renowned conductor, but is also a biography of the composer Richard Wagner.

The first part is largely about Thielemann and Wagner in broad musical terms. It is here we learn about what contributions Wagner made as well as how his music helped shape Thielemann's life, particularly his professional life. It is also where he engages with Wagner's more problematic areas, such as anti-Semitism.

The latter portion of the book is devoted to Wagner's works and is a wonderful resource for the beginner and the seasoned Wagnerian alike. Each is discussed with respect to origin, cast and orchestration, plot, music and recordings. These overviews are not simply an outline but is illuminated by Thielemann's experiences and knowledge. The recordings sections are particularly helpful because they offer suggestions on which recordings best display Wagner at his best.

I am not a beginner nor an expert in Wagner's music but am far closer to beginner of the two. As such, this book was a wealth of both factual information as well as advice on appreciating not just Wagner but any type of music. I listened to some selections when I was reading and found that I truly enjoyed it more than I had previously.

While this will certainly be a wonderful library addition for anyone interested in Wagner, I would also highly recommend it to someone just approaching Wagner. The passion Thielemann feels for the music is contagious and helps to make this a fun read in addition to being a great resource.

Reviewed from a copy made available through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

This is a wonderful book and a great aid in understanding Wagner. The author is a well known German conductor of somewhat staid and even right wing views. Still, the book is a great read. After discussing what it is to conduct the master, he goes into the structure of the Festival House in Bayreuth, Wagner's own built opera house. Then he tackles the works, one by one in chronological order, in each one talking about the origins of the work, the plot the music and various recordings that he admires. This is very useful. As a 74 year old person, I have seen all of the Wagner works at least once, but I have only recently (last few years) heard the Ring in its entirety, first at the Met with the spectacular staging, and then in Seattle.
Also, it was only recently that I went to Germany and visited the opera house in Bayreuth. The place is marvelous but crazy and spooky. The time I visited, the talk was in German, but a Swedish gentleman was able to translate most of it. I sat in the conductor's chair for a bit in order to let the people see what the person could look like, and the hall is wonderfully structured. The seats are all on the orchestra level, in contrast to the Margravial opera house in town which is an 18th century relic.
I look forward to more Wagner productions and to listening for the magic Chords in Tristan of which the author speaks. I know nothing about music but am determined to find out more, and this book is a step in the right direction. ( )