Klarinet Archive - Posting 000108.txt from 1998/10

From: HatNYC62@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Wagner
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 1998 15:44:49 -0400

In a message dated 10/2/98 8:17:37 AM, klarinet-digest-help@-----.org writes:

<<
Finally, if one likes Wagner's music, more power to you. You may not have
experienced the type of prejudice he believed in, and can somehow glean
something ennobling in his music. Just understand that those that cannot
tolerate the man/music have a valid point from their moral perspective.>>

As I have pointed out, Wagner's beliefs were sometimes at odds with his
personal behavior. He allowed (insisted) his music to be conducted by a Jewish
conductor. He conducted music by Mendelssohn himself (although he made a point
of wearing gloves while doing so which he would then dispose of). Half of the
greatest interpreters of Wagner's music in the last century have been Jewish.

As a Jewish person, I had difficulty for years with Wagner and his music.
However, having seen 6 of his operas at the Met conducted by James Levine
(also Jewish), hearing countless recordings and playing much of it myself I
have realized the greatness that, for me, trancends evil itself.

Then there's Woody Allen's attitude: "I can't listen to more than an hour of
Wagner. It always makes me feel like invading Poland." I respect that too.

David Hattner, NYC

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