Jeffrey Whitford Releases THE FATAL RING

ADELAIDE, Australia - Consisting of more than 490 piquant and amusing quatrains, "The Fatal Ring" (published by Xlibris AU) unconventionally retells the story of the four operas comprising Richard Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelung" and, with a blend of irony, whimsy and some contemporary flourishes, guides the reader through the pathos, tragedy, drollery and carnage which constitute this epic tale.

Many lovers of classical music are reluctant to attend (or even listen to) a performance of Wagner's "Ring of the Nibelung." This reluctance is often founded on the beliefs that the music is impossibly dense and bombastic and the story complex and difficult to understand. Although many descriptions of the narrative have been made and there are also excellent translations of the libretti, the belief abounds that Wagner's music and Wagner's words constitute the dangerously deep end of serious music and the operas are really suitable only for high end intellectuals, poseurs and eccentrics. Author Jeffrey Whitford believes these views to be in error although admits that they were once partly shared by him. This verse version of "The Ring" was commenced to familiarize himself with the narrative and to amuse friends prior to his and their first attending a performance of "The Ring". It has been belatedly completed with the intention of sharing his enlightenment that both story and music are not only highly approachable and fulfilling but actually also a great deal of fun.

This deft and humorous rhyming narrative is an appropriate introduction for those new to "The Ring" and is perhaps even more suitable as an entertainment for the relaxed and tolerant Wagner connoisseur who already has a detailed understanding of the music, characters and plot.

"The Fatal Ring"
By Jeffrey Whitford
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 106 pages | ISBN 9781499032154
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 106 pages | ISBN 9781499032161
E-Book | 106 pages | ISBN 9781499032208
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Jeffrey Whitford is a retired medical practitioner who claims no special knowledge of either Richard Wagner or his music. These failings have not prevented him enjoying Wagner's wonderful operatic creation. He is hopeful that by reading this book someone somewhere will be encouraged to listen to the music, view a recording or, best of all, attend a performance of one or all of the operas that make up "The Ring of the Nibelung."

Xlibris Publishing Australia, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider dedicated to serving Australian authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles.For more information, visit xlibrispublishing.com.au or call 1800 455 039 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisAus on Twitter for the latest news.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!