"Story of the Century" Hailed as Illuminating Deep Dive into Wagner's Ring Cycle Creation

In anticipation of a full review, we take a look at Michael Downes ' book, "Story Of The Century". Personally, I have only recently begun reading it, and so far am enjoying doing so, Ed. 

By Fred Oswald, Assistant Editor, The Wagnerian

Michael Downes's recently published work, Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of The Ring, has swiftly established itself as a significant and highly lauded contribution to Wagnerian literature. Reviews pouring in from a diverse array of sources—including major music publications, broadsheet newspapers, and cultural commentary blogs—unanimously celebrate the book for its remarkable blend of scholarly depth and accessible storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on the genesis of Richard Wagner's monumental operatic tetralogy.

Critics have been particularly impressed by Downes's success in rendering a complex subject approachable for both seasoned Wagner enthusiasts and those embarking on their journey into the Ring. Gramophone magazine, a venerable voice in classical music, unequivocally states that it is "the best introduction to The Ring out there," a sentiment echoed by Opera Now, which praises its "consciously user-friendly" approach, noting its refreshing departure from overly academic or dense prose. This clarity is repeatedly cited as a major strength, allowing a broad readership to engage with the intricacies of Wagner's creative process.

The comprehensive scope of Story of the Century is another frequently highlighted aspect of its excellence. Reviewers note that Downes meticulously traces the Ring's origins across nearly three decades, from Wagner's nascent ideas and his pivotal period of exile in Switzerland to the immense undertaking of composition and the ultimate, often fraught, realization of the cycle at Bayreuth. The Financial Times lauds it as a "straightforward, gripping account of making art," while BBC Music Magazine commends its "perceptive and evocative" discussions, particularly regarding the evolution and function of leitmotifs within the work. Kirkus Reviews celebrates the book as a "concise, insightful, and enthusiastic foray into Wagner's magnum opus," recognizing Downes's deep exploration of Wagner's "sonic imagination" and the revolutionary development of new instruments.

Beyond the purely musical and biographical, Downes is praised for his nuanced integration of cultural history and the philosophical currents that shaped Wagner's artistic vision. The Edinburgh Music Review highlights how Downes "weaves in clear-headed accounts of the political ideas that informed Wagner's planned artistic revolution and offers a superbly readable overview of the sources he would draw on for The Ring." Importantly, the book does not shy away from addressing the more controversial aspects of Wagner's character and ideology, including his antisemitism. Reviewers, such as Gramophone, commend Downes for handling these sensitive issues "comprehensively but soberly," ensuring that the focus remains on the "almost superhuman achievement" of the artwork itself, while acknowledging its problematic creator.

Micael Downes

While minor stylistic points, such as the consistent use of the historic present tense, have been noted by some—with Gramophone finding it "a little disorienting" at times—the overarching critical consensus is that Downes's narrative choices contribute to a "gripping piece of non-fiction," as observed by the Edinburgh Music Review. The book's engaging narrative quality, often likened to a novel, draws readers into the compelling story of the Ring's improbable journey to completion and its initial staging.

In sum, Michael Downes's Story of the Century: Wagner and the Creation of The Ring has been firmly established as an essential and highly recommended addition to the library of any serious enthusiast of Richard Wagner. Its blend of meticulous research, accessible prose, and insightful analysis has resonated profoundly with critics, cementing its position as a definitive account of how this colossal masterpiece came into being

About the Author

For readers interested in the background of the author, Michael Downes is a respected figure in musicology and performance. He serves as the Director of Music at the University of St Andrews, having previously held a similar role at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. His academic credentials include a doctorate on Debussy from the University of Sussex, and studies in English and Music at King's College, Cambridge. Beyond his administrative and academic work, Downes is an experienced conductor, leading various musical ensembles, and is known for his contributions as a lecturer and writer on music and opera, including program notes for Wigmore Hall. He also collaborated on the English version of Nike Wagner's book, The Wagners: The Dramas of a Musical Dynasty. His extensive background lends significant authority to his insightful exploration of Wagner's magnum opus.