Wagner's operas certainly contain religious elements, some more than others. But was Wagner himself a religious person? Is there anything he said that gives clues about his beliefs?
and that's why his works are so good and he is the face of opera world.Wagner did not believe in God but he was fascinated by religious symbols as he is shown in his work. He of course wanted to replace religion with art and mainly his own art with himself as an object of adoration. As a monstrous egoist he had endless powers of self-adoration and sought those who would reflect his own self-obsession - himself and his art.
Is DavidA saying this is "bad" to replace religion with his own art? I don't see it as bad, since religion is only a tool, anyway.Originally Posted by DavidA![]()
He of course wanted to replace religion with art and mainly his own art with himself as an object of adoration...
It has of course become somewhat of a religion for some of his admirers and they faithfully make their way to Bayreuth to pay homage at the shrine...
If you happen to like Teutonic self obsessed opera...
Well he did manage to make a christ in the Aryan image.
If you can't see the obvious no point in arguing.
No doubt Wagner would smile at your devotion. He loved people who were devoted to him and treated him with such reverence. I think, however, you will find other groups of people in Germany and elsewhere turning humans into 'gods' too, like people paying 1000 Euros for a seat at a football match final and regarding the players they are watching are 'gods'. Yes, I've heard the fans actually say it! So you are in good company when you do it! They believe their 'gods' deserve every sacrifice too! I would also imagine there are far more of the faithful who pack the football stands than pack out Bayreuth each year.I don't believe that Wagner was religious with the meaning the most of us have in our minds for the religion. Wagner worshiped the German and Greek mythology and if he was believing to something that was the German virtue and the immortal achievements of our ancestors. What Wagner managed was to turn his music into religion for the Germans. If religion is (also) an inspiration for the people, Wagner's music is really a strong one with a lot dedicated believers (fans) and the Bayreuth the eternal cathedral for all of them. In Germany, if you are rich or famous you can do a lot of things. But, one thing you can't: Not to attend Bayreuth! How many of the famous are going to church in Christmas? Only few. How many are attending religious festivities? Fewer! But, all of them, every year, are fighting for a Bayreuther Ticket. (I managed only once to be there. I payed more than 1000 Euros for a ticket. And I'm not reach or famous. But, also for me, Wagner deserves every sacrifie, despite I don't like to turn humans to Gods...)
Does it matter? He seems to have been more interested in Norse mythology than the Christian kind.Thread: Was Wagner religious?