The Tristan Chord: Wagner and Philosophy
Magee, a British writer on philosophy, music, and theater  criticism and a former member of Parliament, has made a  remarkable contribution to the already extensive literature on  the life and works of Wagner. His central thesis that Wagner's  intense study of philosophy had a profound influence on his  compositions is lucidly presented in 17 chapters, each rich with  historical detail and intellectual discourse. The chapters  proceed in rough chronological sequence; we first read of the  young Wagner as a left-wing revolutionary and end with his  mature, complex relationship with Nietzsche. In the central part  of the book, Magee provides an overview of Schopenhauer's  philosophy and reveals the extent to which Wagner completely  overhauled his own values in order to embrace that thinker's  world view. Readers to whom all this may appear somewhat arcane  and daunting will be pleasantly surprised by the eminently  readable nature of the book. Magee's text is not only  illuminating but also highly personal and enormously engaging.  The lengthy appendix, in which he tackles head-on the thorny  issue of Wagner's anti-Semitism, is a brilliant, balanced  discussion and is alone worth the price of the book. Throughout,  Magee cites myriad secondary sources but includes no  bibliography. Despite this omission, this work is highly  recommended for all public and academic libraries. Those readers  already passionate about Wagner's works will find new reasons to  appreciate them, and those who have avoided his music will find  the book a revelation and may be inspired to rethink their  phobia. Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.