The Philosophies of Richard Wagner (Paperback)

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."

General

Imprint:	Lexington Books
Country of origin:	United States
Release date:	May 2016
Authors:	Julian Young
Dimensions:	226 x 155 x 12mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	170
ISBN-13:	978-0-7391-9994-7
Categories:	Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Theory of music & musicology > General Books > Humanities > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Aesthetics Books > Humanities > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social & political philosophy Books > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Aesthetics Books > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social & political philosophy Books > Music > Theory of music & musicology > General Promotions
LSN:	0-7391-9994-3
Barcode:	9780739199947

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