Wagner beyond established differences

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This work focuses on the philosophical and ideological debate surrounding Richard Wagner, particularly the question of whether proto-Nazi tendencies are inherent in his music dramas. It explores elements of Wagner's mature works that critics, particularly in the Adornoian tradition, argue align with key aspects of National Socialism, such as the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, the leitmotif technique, the music's intense sensuality, Germanness, and the notion of regeneration. By reconceptualizing these elements within the context of contemporary cultural-historical circumstances, as well as through the universalist interpretations of Wagner by Roger Scruton and Alain Badiou, the study aims to develop a Nietzschean understanding of Wagner's work. This perspective seeks to resist the associations of racism, bigotry, and nationalism that have often been linked to his legacy. The analysis not only addresses the historical and cultural implications of Wagner’s music but also offers a framework that transcends the limitations of Adorno’s focus on National Socialism, providing a more relevant interpretation for the present day. Ultimately, it presents a nuanced view of Wagner that challenges the ideologies typically associated with his work.