Art and politics

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A master of mystery and paradox, Wagner dedicated his life to both composing music and shaping German culture. The essays, written between 1864 and 1878, reflect his frustration with Germany's embrace of cheap theater and inferior art forms. In "What Is German?", he argued for a cultural elevation beyond mediocrity, citing Johann Sebastian Bach as a pivotal influence. Wagner believed that German culture had a historic destiny primarily defined by music. Amidst defending his operas and personal reputation, he recognized that support would not come from "Franco-Judaico-German democracy," but rather from the monarchy, which he viewed as a fundamental law. His fortunes changed in 1864 when King Ludwig II of Bavaria provided financial backing, intensifying the jealousy of his adversaries. Despite public scorn, Wagner continued to work on significant operas, including Tristan und Isolde and Parsifal, while exploring the connections between religion and art. He described art as a "kindly Life-saviour," elevating human experience. These essays encapsulate his artistic philosophy and knowledge of German literature, underscoring his commitment to enhancing the quality of German opera. This edition features the complete text of volume 4 of the translation of Wagner's works, commissioned by the London Wagner Society in 1895.