Richard Wagner: Musical Genius, Revolutionary… or Problematic Icon?
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Richard Wagner: Musical Genius, Revolutionary… or Problematic Icon?
[ NOTE: You can sign up at any time ]
You’ve heard plenty of his music - even if you think you haven’t.
From epic film scores to “Ride of the Valkyries,” Richard Wagner shaped the emotional language of modern storytelling.
In this 60-minute introduction, we’ll explore how a 19th-century composer transformed music, influenced Hollywood, and built an artistic universe that still resonates today.
But Wagner is more than musical innovation.
He was a political radical, a nationalist thinker, and a writer of deeply anti-Semitic texts. His music was later embraced by the Nazi regime - and his legacy remains controversial.
In our cosy living-room setting, we won’t just listen to excerpts and learn the basics. We’ll also ask the difficult questions:
Can we separate art from the artist?
Should controversial figures still be celebrated?
Is Wagner’s influence on film music something we admire - or something we should examine more critically?
No prior knowledge required - just curiosity and a willingness to engage in an open discussion.
Expect music, history, strong opinions, and thoughtful debate.
As usual, feel free to arrive from 19:00 onwards; the discussion begins at 19:30