Richard Wagner Boxed Set

Rating:
Summary: Concern about the German translation
Review: I have used this translation together with those by William Mann (Friends of Covent Garden) and Lionel Salter and my opinion is that the latter two more accurately translate the German.I do no undersatnd Mr Sabor's reference to 'accuracy' in his translation:at times questions in German become statements in English,tenses are confused and straight-forward words appear to be incorrectly translated.I am very disappointed in the translation and would point people to either Mann or Salter.Where the books are of value are the annotations of the 'leimotive' by the approrpiate lines.There are in addition so other sundry notes,though at times these did seem to me to be fatuous.I would suggest the introductions need to be re-written so that an unsuspecting user would not accept Mr Sabor's translation by cross-corrolating each word.To me it appears strange that Mr Sabor states 'a new translation is demanded' of 'The Ring' - in my opinion,as a German speaker,his is not the translation that I would demand.

Rating:
Summary: very helpful commentary and beautiful translation
Review: Listening to the Ring with Sabor's translations and comments is very pleasant. His English is beautiful and leitmotifs are all pointed out when they occur in the libretto. (of course the German is there to see as well.) Helpful comments about orchestration and interpretion enhance the experience. Summaries of plot and explanations of leitmotifs are presented at the beginning of each act as well as expanded within the text. A great way to get to know the Ring.

Rating:
Summary: very helpful commentary and beautiful translation
Review: Listening to the Ring with Sabor's translations and comments is very pleasant. His English is beautiful and leitmotifs are all pointed out when they occur in the libretto. (of course the German is there to see as well.) Helpful comments about orchestration and interpretion enhance the experience. Summaries of plot and explanations of leitmotifs are presented at the beginning of each act as well as expanded within the text. A great way to get to know the Ring.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Information on The Ring
Review: Mr. Sabor's historical commentary, list of leitmotiven and their appearances in the operas, and side comments cannot be equaled. This elegant set of books -- one for historical analysis, overview and performance practice of the entire cycle and one for each opera in the cycle -- is especially useful for Wagner beginners as well as seasoned musicologists. The translation of the libretti is beautifully poetic -- retaining much of Wagner's original alliteration and meter -- although it is not the most literal. (It could be used for singing if one was so inclined, and is a good deal better than most translations done for this purpose). I have used this set of books for a good deal of research on The Ring and usually need no others, although I do like to compare any translations with a more literal version, like the type usually found along with a recording. The discography/videography of the Ring is useful if not the most insightful. The substance, though, is most satisfactory, and at a reasonable price, too.