Much has been written about the life of Richard Wagner, but little about the architecture of the Bayreuth Festival Theatre. Originally intended “only” for the exemplary première performance of the “Ring” cycle, the provisional wood-and-brick structure subsequently evolved into a modern, perfectly functioning theatre.

Now, for the first time in its history, the Bayreuther Festspielhaus has been photographed to record both its exterior and its innermost interior. This fascinating photo documentary thus presents an aesthetic impression of a very special building and its history. Breathtaking pictures reveal perspectives never seen before.

Commentaries, historical plans and photographs reinforce this visual impression, augmenting it with an art-historical dimension. Contributions by Wolfgang Wagner, Harry Kupfer and Pierre Boulez and others complete the picture.



The Richard Wagner Festival Theatre Bayreuth – The Book

Editor: Markus Kiesel, Ludwigsburg
Text: Dietmar Schuth, Heidelberg
Photography and Lithography: Jens Willebrand, Köln www.willebrand.com
Graphic Design: Joachim Mildner, Köln www.joachimmildner.com
Assistant editor: Hannelore Ostfeld, Köln
Proofreading: Sabine Rochlitz, Riehen
Translation: K. Scott Witmer, Düsseldorf / New York
ISBN 978-3-00-020809-6

12.4 x 9.25 inches, Hardcover, 224 pages with more than 300 colored photographs
and black and white images