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Martinů Revue: Martinů on Wagner, part II
"In his stage works, he [Martinů] stands in opposition to Wagner’s principles.
As far as is possible, he reduces the musical drama and dynamism (which is expressed solely through the power and rumble of the orchestra, and thus [is] superficial); he also lessens the impassionedness (often empty and impervious) and replaces it with a logical development of the subject, governed by musical considerations.
For him, theatre is theatre, a work that is performed; he does not aim to create the impression of reality, wittingly accentuating that the work is played as theatre, thus not violating the rules of the stage but accepting them."
You can read the full article in the latest issue of Martinů Revue, get more information on how to obtain your copy here: http://www.martinu.cz/en/institutions/international-martinu-circle/join-the-international-martinu-circle/
(Sketch: Martinů's drawing "Prsten Nibelůnga. Sigfried.", around 1910)