Posted by Umbrage on May 19, 2003 at 11:55:30:
In Reply to: CBS TV is costing tuba players $ tonight posted by js on May 18, 2003 at 21:18:19:
This posting has created some very interesting replies. Like anything else, all must be taken within context.
Was Wagner anti-semetic? - Yes
Did Wagner cause the Holocaust? - No
Was Wagner responsible for anti-semetic sentiment in Germany? - Unfortunately, this was a common sentiment in Germany at the time that both Hiler & others used to their advantage.
It was not until very recently that Wagner was played in Israel, and even at that it is still controversial.
When one visits the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, the first exhibit you see is how the grounwork was laid in the 1920's & 1930's leading to a Hitler. Then we see how Hitler became popular and gained power. Thus CBS's portrayal is historically accurate.
Strauss wrote a tone poem dealing with the Super Man - (Thus Spake Zarathustra)
Should we not watch "The Merchant of Venice" because of the stereotypical characterization of Shylock?
We must remember that what was done in the name of racial purity was horrible. This purity also extended to many other groups other than the Jews, as well. (Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies, trade unionist, Homosexuals, etc.) The victims also extend to anyone who was caught up in this hysteria. We will not get any fewer gig playing Wagner because of CBS. However, I think what upsets many of us is that Wagner wrote so well for the brass. Unfortunatley, we are now also reminded of the intent behind the music, and we may not enjoy it as much as we did originally.
My 2 cents.