Wagner

This book examines Richard Wagner's complex legacy, exploring how his flawed humanity produced art that is both significant and healing, making Wagner an essential read.

In Wagner, Father Owen Lee explores the profound and complex influence of Richard Wagner on both art and politics throughout the last century. He delves into the dual nature of Wagner's contributions, examining how they can be seen as both beneficial and detrimental. By analyzing the intricate relationship between Wagner's flawed humanity and his artistic genius, Lee argues that Wagner's work remains essential for understanding the complexities of life and creativity.

The author poses critical questions regarding the paradox of how a deeply imperfect individual can produce art that resonates as good, true, and beautiful. Through the lens of Sophocles' character Philoctetes, Lee illustrates the theme that those who are gifted often bear significant burdens. Philoctetes, marked by both divine favor and personal suffering, serves as a metaphor for Wagner himself, whose extraordinary talents are intertwined with his vulnerabilities.

Wagner: The Terrible Man and His Truthful Art offers a detailed examination of Wagner's influence, highlighting his impact on notable figures such as Eliot and Proust, as well as the darker connections to Adolf Hitler. Lee's insightful analysis of Wagner's opera Tannhäuser reveals the inner conflict of the artist, embodying the struggle between opposing forces within. Ultimately, Lee makes a compelling case for the healing power of Wagner's art, suggesting that it is indispensable to our understanding of the human experience.