II. POLITICAL AND SOCIAL INFLUENCES 4-5

V. SPIRITUAL & RACIAL CONCEPTS IN HIS MUSIC 8-9

The thoughts and ideas of Richard Wagner, in relation to anti-Semitism and Christianity, are linked not only to the social atmosphere he grew up in, but also to the writers and dramatists of that era whose works influenced and inspired many of his own. Although there are some conflicting statements written by him on these two subjects, the overall messages are of similar content. These statements are found in his racial and religious essays, scattered throughout many of his other writings and are present in some of his musical works as well. Wagner was apparently familiar with the old and new testaments of the Bible, could quote the Talmud, and was able to discuss religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism. This lent credibility to his outspoken opinions on the importance of language, 'Volk', and 'Kultur' in German society. However, it is thought t

Aberbach, David Alan. The Ideas of Richard Wagner; An Examination of his Major Aesthetic, Political, Economic, Social, and Religious Thoughts. (Rev.Ed.) Maryland: University Press of America, Inc., c1988.

Wagner held the opinion that music was the absolute domain of the German people, that it reached its highest state with German composers and musicians, and its lowest (state) with

Stein, Leon. The Racial Thinking of Richard Wagner. New York: the Philosophical Library Inc., c1950.

Goldman, Albert & Evert Sprinchorn (eds.). Wagner on Music and Drama. New York: Da Capo Press Inc., c1964.

Newman, Ernest. Fact and Fiction About Wagner. London: Cassell and Co., c1931.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1960
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)