The Philosophies of Richard Wagner

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Classical & Opera, Opera, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Aesthetics
Cover of the book The Philosophies of Richard Wagner by Julian Young, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Julian Young ISBN: 9780739199930
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: September 9, 2014
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Julian Young
ISBN: 9780739199930
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: September 9, 2014
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

In addition to being a great composer, Richard Wagner was also an important philosopher. Julian Young begins by examining the philosophy of art and society Wagner constructs during his time as a revolutionary anarchist-communist. Modernity, Wagner argued, is to be rescued from its current anomie through the rebirth of Greek tragedy (the original Gesamtkunstwerk) in the form of the “artwork of the future," an artwork of which his own operas are the prototype.

Young then examines the entirely different philosophy Wagner constructs after his 1854 conversion from Hegelian optimism to Schopenhauerian pessimism. “Redemption” now becomes, not a future utopia in this world, but rather “transfigured” existence in another world, attainable only through death. Viewing Wagner’s operas through the lens of his philosophy, the book offers often novel interpretations of Lohengrin, The Ring cycle, Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger, and Parsifal.

Finally, Young dresses the cause of Friedrich Nietzsche’s transformation from Wagner’s intimate friend and disciple into his most savage critic. Nietzsche’s fundamental accusation, it is argued, is one of betrayal: that Wagner betrayed his early, “life affirming” philosophy of art and life in favor of “life-denial." Nietzsche’s assertion and the final conclusion of the book is that our task, now, is to “become better Wagnerians than Wagner.”

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In addition to being a great composer, Richard Wagner was also an important philosopher. Julian Young begins by examining the philosophy of art and society Wagner constructs during his time as a revolutionary anarchist-communist. Modernity, Wagner argued, is to be rescued from its current anomie through the rebirth of Greek tragedy (the original Gesamtkunstwerk) in the form of the “artwork of the future," an artwork of which his own operas are the prototype.

Young then examines the entirely different philosophy Wagner constructs after his 1854 conversion from Hegelian optimism to Schopenhauerian pessimism. “Redemption” now becomes, not a future utopia in this world, but rather “transfigured” existence in another world, attainable only through death. Viewing Wagner’s operas through the lens of his philosophy, the book offers often novel interpretations of Lohengrin, The Ring cycle, Tristan und Isolde, Die Meistersinger, and Parsifal.

Finally, Young dresses the cause of Friedrich Nietzsche’s transformation from Wagner’s intimate friend and disciple into his most savage critic. Nietzsche’s fundamental accusation, it is argued, is one of betrayal: that Wagner betrayed his early, “life affirming” philosophy of art and life in favor of “life-denial." Nietzsche’s assertion and the final conclusion of the book is that our task, now, is to “become better Wagnerians than Wagner.”

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book They Used to Call Us Witches by Julian Young
Cover of the book Whole-Earth Ethics for Holy Ground by Julian Young
Cover of the book Physical Pain and Justice by Julian Young
Cover of the book Intersectionality in Intentional Communities by Julian Young
Cover of the book Crisis and Commonwealth by Julian Young
Cover of the book Nigerian Immigrants in the United States by Julian Young
Cover of the book The Logic of the Cold War by Julian Young
Cover of the book Social Security Policy in Hong Kong by Julian Young
Cover of the book Rule by Numbers by Julian Young
Cover of the book Reading as Democracy in Crisis by Julian Young
Cover of the book State–Society Relations and Governance in China by Julian Young
Cover of the book The Power of Neuroplasticity for Pastoral and Spiritual Care by Julian Young
Cover of the book The Idea of Qi/Gi by Julian Young
Cover of the book Magyars and Political Discourses in the New Millennium by Julian Young
Cover of the book Voluntary Environmental Programs by Julian Young
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy