Richard Wagner - The Flying Dutchman Overture

[WildBillCox13]

Before one comments on the political or pogrom affinity of an artist, one should look closely at those he believes are pure of thought and deed. If I hear, for instance, a piece written by another artist I might well appreciate it for its artistic merits, whether or not I admire the man or woman behind it. To do otherwise is to open the door for trash talking and pointless name calling--which is the cause of much that is wrong in the world imo.

[WildBillCox13]

" . . . rises from his ancient sleep . . ."

[Nobodyknowsme021]

Too slow.

[fozziebear2009]

@Nobodyknowsme021 For your tastes maybe; I prefer this pace.

[TheSteveBerlin]

Wagner was a pretty nasty piece of work, a classic Jew-hater. He didn't advocate mass murder, since people didn't talk in such terms in the 19thC, but referred to Jews in awful epithets that would have made National Socialists proud. Oddly, though, he preferred a Jewish conductor, Hermann Levi, to conduct all of his premieres. Wagner was essentially an evil genius. It is possible to love his glorious, innovative music and still despise the man.

[truvianni]

@TheSteveBerlin I have read that Wagner was not real so much of a jew hater but that he just hated how much influence they had in opera and resented that composers like Meyerbeer were so succesful given the litttle talent he felt he had.

[TheSteveBerlin]

@truvianni His essay Das Judentum in der Musik shows off someone who hated more than just how much influence Jews had in music. Either he truly hated Jews, or, for opportunistic reasons, went to great lengths to convince everyone he did. Either way, a pretty slimy man. He definitely resented Meyerbeer's success, though. Meyerbeer had helped Wagner get his start. Still, however, it's possible to despise the man but love the music. He must have been one complex fellow--not a nice man at all.

[studleyj]

Be vewwy quiet...I'm hunting waaaabits....

[macekmuki]

10000000000000000000 times better than Pirates of the Caribbean.

[Sofyy1102]

@OldSchopenhauer shut up nazi

[OldSchopenhauer]

@Sofyy1102 Since you put it so eloquently, not only will I recant my intolerant views, but I will also follow in your punctuation free foot steps.

ppl who dont like joos are nazis NAZIS ARE BAD nazis kill juice in gas chamber THEY SHUD JUST SHUT UP I think I'm finally starting to understand. I've become a more tolerant and loving person. Thank you.

[Sofyy1102]

@OldSchopenhauer i would like to answer to your comment but, unfortunately i have no idea about what i said before. but thank god we're both non-nazis.

[TheAtheistviking]

Wagner did not hate Jews as a race, and therefore he differs very much from the Nazis. He just wanted the Jews to integrate into and adapt the German culture.

[horsemad1670]

Inspiring in a positive way every time, which is why bureaucrats hate him and his works.

[cannibalcorpse135]

@horsemad1670 He's probably hated because he was a raging anti-semite and an abusive husband. That's not to say his music isn't amazing though

[wol4fram]

@cannibalcorpse135 I could be wrong, but he seemed to be abusive to just about everyone, BUT Cosima.

[rodglas]

"they were playing Wagner, its the most fun I've had in about six months"

[MyteryJ]

Oh, those last few measures, with flutes and strings...sheer musical perfection.

[polykaaa]

The best composer

[NeverAloneForever]

@polykaaa I wouldn't say the best . . . but i would say the most influential in a modern sense.