The music of German composer Richard Wagner is universally lauded as superb, masterful and artistically revolutionary. But Wagner himself is just as widely condemned as the spiritual father of much of Nazi ideology, especially its anti-Semitism.
In one of many odious statements, Wagner wrote that he “regard[ed] the Jewish race as the born enemy of pure humanity and everything noble about it.” His hateful ideas, along with the ultra-nationalistic character of his operas, attracted others of like minds, providing a catalyst for the development of Nazi ideology. Hitler, himself, is claimed to have said, "Whoever wants to understand National Socialist Germany must know Wagner." [It should be noted that Richard Wagner died in 1883 and the Nationalist Socialist German Worker's Party (Nazi Party) was founded in 1920.]
Before you go further, explore these two links: The Controversy Over Richard Wagner (Links to an external site.) and Music and the Holocaust (Links to an external site.).
For another view of the anger Wagner’s music can evoke, watch this clip from Curb Your Enthusiasm, which begins and ends with Larry David whistling and conducting music from Wagner's operas. (Links to an external site.)
Wagner’s undeniable association with anti-Semitism, Nazism and the Holocaust is so widely resented that his music almost never fails to draw heated protests at public performances, and is totally banned in some places.
But is this really an appropriate reaction when assessing art? To what extent can we, or should we, separate the artist from his art?
If we condemn Wagner’s music because of his vile cultural and political views, what do we do about the works of other vehement anti-Semites, such as Chopin? Do you see any connection to modern day artists who are associated with racism & bigotry? Or the #metoo movement's affect on many famous/notable music, film, and cultural figures? What do you think?