Nietzsche contra Wagner; Out of the Files of a Psychologist is a critical essay by Friedrich Nietzsche, composed of selections he chose from among his earlier works. The selections are assembled in this essay in order to focus on Nietzsche's thoughts about the composer Richard Wagner. As he says in the preface, when the selections are read "one after the other they will leave no doubt either about Richard Wagner or about myself: we are antipodes." He also describes it as "an essay for psychologists, but not for Germans".[1] It was written in his last year of lucidity (1888–1889), and published by C. G. Naumann in Leipzig in 1889.[2] Nietzsche describes in this short work why he parted ways with his one-time idol and friend, Richard Wagner. Nietzsche attacks Wagner's views, expressing disappointment and frustration in Wagner's life choices (such as Nietzsche's mistaken belief that Wagner had converted to Christianity, perceived as a sign of weakness). Nietzsche evaluates Wagner's philosophy on tonality, music and art; he admires Wagner's power to emote and express himself, but largely disdains what the philosopher deems his religious biases.[3]
It is easy to suspect that Nietzsche's views must be motivated by a personal quarrel with Wagner. However, Nietzsche had nothing to gain by attacking Wagner, his motives were misunderstood by a public who were influenced by Nietzsche’s early admiration of Wagner, and who were now enthralled by Wagner’s genius. These essays would be hard to comprehend, and would be seen as the work of a disloyal fanatic. The attacks also at times, confusingly pause to express an affectionate appreciation for Wagner.[4]
According to Roger Hollinrake, it is reasonable to question Nietzsche’s qualifications to criticize a great musician on very specific musical topics. Nietzsche was a philosopher, and also a musician and composer, though of limited abilities. However gifts of analysis, and gifts of musicianship are not often both given to any one individual. Nietzsche had the broad combined perspective of a scholar, philosopher, historian and poet, abetted by his penetrating insight and an objectivity with a lack of musical bias. Nietzsche's attacks derive from the great importance he gives to art, and from his sense of the seriousness of the artist's duties, and from Nietzsche's fears for the state of culture in his era.[5]
^Nietzsche, Friedrich. Kaufman, Walter (translator & editor). The Portable Nietzsche. "Nietzsche contra Wagner". Penguin Books (1977). ISBN 978-0140150629 p. 662.
^Nietzsche, Friedrich. Ludovici, Anthony M. trans. Friedrich Nietzsche on Wagner. Spastic Cat Press (February 28, 2012). ISBN 978-1612039695 p. 8
^Hollinrake, Roger. "Nietzsche, Wagner and Ernest Newman". Music & Letters, Vol. 41, No. 3 (July 1960), pp. 245-255
^[1] Hollinrake, Roger. "Nietzsche, Wagner and Ernest Newman". Music & Letters, Vol. 41, No. 3. Oxford University Press. (July, 1960), pp. 245-255
^[2] Hollinrake, Roger. "Nietzsche, Wagner and Ernest Newman". Music & Letters, Vol. 41, No. 3. Oxford University Press. (July, 1960), pp. 245-255
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