The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music

By: Friedrich Nietzsche

Narrated by: Duncan Steen

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

One of Nietzsche’s earliest works, The Birth of Tragedy (1872) is a remarkable source of inspiration. It is here that the philosopher expresses his frustration with the contemporary world and urges man to embrace Dionysian energy once more. He refutes European culture since the time of Socrates, arguing that it is one-sidedly Apollonian and prevents man from living in optimistic harmony with the sufferings of life.

It is argued that the healthier culture can be perceived in the traditions of ancient Greece as the spectators of the tragic plays experienced Dionysus and Apollo in perfect harmony. However, Nietzsche has great faith in the human soul and presents a laudatory portrayal of Wagner, contending that his artistic spirit is the savior of Europe; Wagner’s music has sown the seeds for a period of liberating rebirth.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2013 Naxos AudioBooks

mindblowing structure. outstanding 19th century ps

mindblowing structure outstanding psychology from 19th century and workmanlike reading.Nietzsche stimulates and provides insight. to foundations of Western civilization with attention to Eastern influences.

Not the Best of N, Still Good, More N. Please!!!

What made the experience of listening to The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music the most enjoyable?

The performance was great.

Any additional comments?

I have read almost all of Nietzsche works and this, being one of his earliest isn't the best of his philosophical pieces. However Human all too Human was amazing however, which was written after he did this, still quite early in N's unfortunately relatively short writing career. The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music addresses aesthetics more. Wagner liked it. But I'm not Wagner. It isn't that I don't like this book, it's just that if you are going to put this geniuses books onto audio please make sure to put his best. I really would like to see all of Nietzsche's works on Audible in English. I would buy them all. I see there is a version of The Antichrist in Spanish, but I think it is abridged. Abridging Nietzsche is a turn off. Abridging any book is for me. However with Nietzsche it is important that his often misquoted sayings are in the proper context to be fully understood, which means leaving it unabridged! To end, I plead for more books by Nietzsche on audible.

Good rendition

Well paced and good inflection for a philosophical subject. Would definitely recommend to any reader.

Knowing Greek mythology will help

Knowing Greek mythology will help. Lots of references. Interesting book. Not without it’s faults for sure.

One of my favorites

The better a book is the less I typically like to say. So I’ll add the little that’s important to me.

The performance is fantastic and Nietzsche is brilliant. This is a story of philosophy and man as much as music. Thorough and thoughtful. The postscript saves its otherwise aged conclusion.

First Nietzsche I read

This inspiring book allowed me to begin to identify endless insidious assumptions about the the function of art in society.

Great narration of a great book, poor production

Duncan Steen gives a fine interpretation of the book, arguably a bit too grave, but I think reasonable minds could disagree on that point.
The issue is the production, which captures every physical click and pop that can be emitted by a human mouth with two lips, a normal number of teeth, and a standard allotment of saliva.
I don't know if it's an issue with the recording, the mastering, or if Duncan Steen in fact skipped some crucial vocal warm-ups, or what, but it leaves me in utter revulsion.
Recommend for ASMR fans with an interest in this unique work among Nietzsche's corpus.

The Apollonian vs The Dionysian

I truly love this first and perhaps last of all of Nietzsche’s “books” which is not aphoristic! Herein, lie many seeds of thought that Nietzsche went on, to not only negate as a result of his early philosophical immaturity, but to expound and further develop. His preface which was written many years after in 1886, explains his more enlightened view, which is that one must learn the Art of Metaphysical Consolidation. That deeply tragic thought is better superseded by laughing, singing, dancing and a Dionysian and life affirming perspective. If you love Nietzsche’s writing, and this as example of it at its most innocent beginning, you will be impressed with this most exceptional and excellently delivered audiobook. The Preface, which concludes this performance, is well worth the price alone. This is highly recommended for those familiar with Nietzsche’s later writings, but that is not a necessity, for there many gems of wisdom contained within this bold and brilliant work.