Wagner was one of the few major composers who studied philosophy seriously. This title places the composer's artistic development in the context of the philosophy of his age, and offers a comprehensive study of the close links between Wagner and the philosophers - from the pre-Marxist socialists to Feuerbach and Schopenhauer.
Wagner was one of the few major composers who studied philosophy seriously. This title places the composer's artistic development in the context of the philosophy of his age, and offers a comprehensive study of the close links between Wagner and the philosophers - from the pre-Marxist socialists to Feuerbach and Schopenhauer.
Wagner's reputation as a paranoiac, egocentric and anti-semitic individual has coloured our perception of his artistic genius. Yet, as a young man, he embraces revolutionary politics, and of all the great composers he was by far the most interested in philosophy. Setting Wagner against the background of his times, Bryan Magee explores the philosophical influences which permeate his mature operas. He provides a candid examination of the composer's vicious anti-semitism and Hitler's deep admiration for his music. And he shows how Wagner's intense relationship with Nietzsche provides rich insights into his ideas and personality. The result is a compelling portrait which illuminates Wagner and his music in ways, uncovering the decisive, and often ignored, intellectual influences on Parsifal, Tristan and The Ring.
Bryan Magee has had a distinguished and varied career as scholar, broadcaster and parliamentarian. His previous books include Aspects of Wagner (1968), On Blindness (with Martin Milligan, 1996), The Philosophy of Schopenhauer (1997) and Confessions of a Philosopher (1997). He was a Labour MP from 1974 until joining the SDP in 1982.
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