Publisher's Synopsis
Collection of works by Tony Palmer about Richard Wagner. 'Wagner' (1983) is a biographical TV series about the German composer with Richard Burton in the title role. Recognised early in his career for his groundbreaking talents, Wagner is feted by European society until his scandalous and radical political views force him into exile in Zurich. There he meets the young Nietzsche (Ronald Pickup) and has a major influence on the philosopher. At the same time, Wagner begins a scandalous relationship with the composer Liszt (Ekkehard Schall)'s illegitimate daughter. Reactionary, anti-semitic and obsessed with money, Wagner still goes on to prove himself as a major force in German and European culture after completing his epic 'Ring' cycle of operas. 'The Wagner Family' (2009) is a 'South Bank Show' documentary about the descendants of the composer and the family's controversial association with Hitler and the Nazi Party. 'Parsifal - The Search for the Grail' (1999) is an exploration into Wagner and his most intense opera. The film includes performance footage of 'Parsifal' with Plácido Domingo in the lead role, as well as a documentary offering description of the plot and an exploration of theories about the opera's origins and considerable sphere of influence. Also included in the collection is Carl Froelich's silent biopic 'The Life and Works of Richard Wagner' (1913) which chronicles Wagner's life from his childhood to his successful music career.
