Mein Leben - Wagner, Richard 1813-1883; Gregor-Dellin, Martin 1926-1988 (Zürich Ex libris, 1977)
'Mein Leben' is the title given by the composer Richard Wagner to his autobiography, covering the years from his birth in 1813 to 1864. On 17 July 1865 in Munich, Wagner began dictating 'Mein Leben' to his then mistress Cosima von Bülow, whom he married in 1870. King Ludwig II of Bavaria asked him to write the memoir in a letter dated 28 May 1865. Wagner was indebted to the King, who had rescued him from a life of exile and financial embarrassment in the previous year. At around the same time in 1864, Wagner had heard the news of the death of his professional nemesis, the composer Giacomo Meyerbeer. The book therefore ends on a 'triumphant' note with the exaltation of Wagner at the death of his supposed 'enemy.' The book is amongst the most readable of Wagner's prose writings, generally free of the complex syntax that is typical of his theoretical works. His frequently tempestuous career, friendships and controversies make for a racy and often surprisingly frank account.
Keywords: 19th Century (1801-1900); Biography; Composer; Music philosophy and esthetics; Germany