Jeffrey Swann on the Music of the Ring
Join us for a special event celebrating the release of The Music of the Ring: A Comprehensive Study of the Leitmotives and How They Are Used in Der Ring des Nibelungen. This monumental book—nearly 750 pages—offers an unparalleled deep dive into Wagner’s use of leitmotif, analyzing thousands of individual moments and hundreds of thematic phrases. With its meticulous detail and structural insights, it promises to become an essential resource for scholars, performers, and seriously engaged listeners alike.
The author, Jeffrey Swann, brings extraordinary expertise to the project. A celebrated American pianist and internationally renowned Wagner scholar, Swann has performed and lectured widely—from solo recitals with top orchestras in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia, to lecture‑recitals at the Bayreuth Festival and numerous Wagner Society events. Swann’s dual identity as performer and scholar allows him to illuminate deeply musical and dramatic structures—from the introduction:
“Ultimately, this work rests on a paradox: it pinpoints in detail thousands of individual moments and analyzes hundreds of short phrases. Its value, on the other hand, lies in deepening and enhancing our appreciation of The Ring as a whole: to gain a better sense of its narrative and musical sweep, to understand its dynamic unity, it many structural features–and in the end, to gain deeper insights into its meanings.”
The event will be followed by a social hour with refreshments. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.
The program will be preceded by a brief Annual Membership Meeting. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to elect the 2026-27 Board of Directors and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Your vote is needed! Members of record will receive proxy forms by postal and email.
Livestream: the event will be livestreamed (viewable up to 36 hours after the start of the event). WSNY Members receive livestream link automatically by e-mail; no need to pre-register.