CHAPTER IX
WAGNER'S EARLY WORKS
Richard Wagner (1813-1883) is by far the most important figure in the
history of modern opera. With regard to the intrinsic beauty of his
works, and the artistic value of the theories upon which they are
constructed, there have been, and still are, two opinions; but his most
bigoted opponents can scarcely refuse to acknowledge the extent of the
influence which he has had upon contemporary and subsequent music--an
influence, in fact, which places him by the side of Monteverde and Gluck
among the great revolutionists of musical history. As in their case, the
importance of his work rests upon the fact that, although to a certain
extent an assimilation and development of the methods of his
predecessors, it embodied a deliberate revolt against existing musical
conditions.
From one point of view Wagner's revolt is even more important than that
of either of his forerunners, for they were men who, having failed to
win success under the existing conditions of music, revolted--so to
speak--in self-preservation, while he was an accomplished musician, and
the author of a successful work written in strict accordance with the
canons of art which then obtained. Had Wagner pleased, there was
nothing to hinder his writing a succession of 'Rienzis,' and ending his
days, like Spontini, rich and ennobled. To his eternal honour he
rejected the prospect, and chose the strait and narrow way which led,
through poverty and disgrace, to immortality.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177