This book is an introduction to Wagner’s music for the beginning pianist. There is historical information and story of the part of the opera on each selection of Wagner’s music. Mainly the music is from the composer’s operas but also include some of his piano pieces. Many of the simple arrangements are selections from his operas. The focus is on the melody and style besides the story of the opera that is connected to that selection for the pianist to play. There are suggested measures of music that the pianist should learn before playing the selection. There are suggested fingerings for playing these simplified arrangements but with encouragement to use fingerings that work for you. Also a ailabe is downloading MP3s that will be helpful for the beginner.

I think that this is a wonderful way to introduce a beginning pianist who may have heard of Wagner and his music but not played any or tried playing it only to give up due to the complexity of Wagner’s music. I would had loved it when I was learning to play the piano.