Classical music lovers discussion

Here's my comment below. What do you think?

Two of the world's renowned operatic divas, Leotyne Price and Jessyne Norman, are African-American. Both have made huge marks in the opera world singing Wagner. Price's rendition of the "Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde that she sang at the Ravinia Festival in 1985 still draws countless raves today. It is hailed by many as one of the best versions of the "Liebestod"ever recorded. Meanwhile, Norman has feasted on Wagner. She has sung and recorded many of the favorites from Wagner's major operas. Twenty two of them are on the The Jessyne Norman Collection.
Now, as we know, Wagner has earned the much deserved scurrilous reputation as a virulent anti-Semite and racial chauvinist of his day. But he was also the supreme consummate artist too. So the time capsule question is, since Norman and Price are equally supreme consummate artists, would Wagner have gagged at the thought of them singing his works Or, would he have applauded them as tens of thousands of others have? These are another of the what if questions that intrigue me. There's irony and possibility in posing both questions.
Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Author Beethoven and Me: A Beginner's Guide to Classical Music

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beetho...

I cannot understand how one could question this odious man's reaction to such supreme divas. I doubt that he would applaud them, but who cares? Yes, he was an artist who wrote extremely beautiful music. This is where his sensibilities seem to stop. Given his extreme anti-Semitism, he would not change his stripes.

I'm not a huge fan of Wagner's music, or him as a person either, from what I have read about him. I doubt he would have a great deal of respect for any non-white people, talented or not. I read a book on him once, and it had an old photo of Wagner with his wife Cosima gazing worshipfully at him. I nearly gagged. That woman had terrible taste in men.

Victoria, well stated! The only point which I don't agree with is much of his music is lovely, except for his over-long operas!

Barbara wrote: "Victoria, well stated! The only point which I don't agree with is much of his music is lovely, except for his over-long operas!"

I should probably listen to more of his music just to see if I like at least some of it(besides Ride of the Valkyries!:). For awhile I didn't like a lot of Ravel's music, but I recently started listening to more of his works, and now I think they are lovely! Who knows, maybe I'll find some music of Wagner's that I really like!

One of the most remarkable and lovely pieces of orchestral music is Wagner's, Prelude and Liebstod from Tristan and Isolde . It is very moving! I have absolutely no love for this man, but he was able to create some beauty!