Abstract

The Great Sorcerer

The article presents an overview of the book "Wagner As Man and Artist by Ernest Newman. The first American appearance of Mr. Newman's "Wagner" should be an occasion for public rejoicing. There is nothing ponderous about Mr. Newman's learning, and nothing spiteful or ignorant about his wit. His first book on Wagner came after the permanent proof and establishment of the great sorcerer's genius, and therefore he is not one of those whose unremitting crusades brought first light to the darkness of the barbarians. Yet he was one of the first to write a full study of Wagner in English, and he is one of the last to give the shining distinction of wisdom and leaning to the unraveling of a personality whose are reshaped the texture of music, roused the diligent wrath of schoolmen, and even now afflicts the chambered elegance of those who like to talk about "pure" music.