Understanding Wagner

"Wagner sums up modernity. It's all very well to start by being Wagnerian." Nietzsche

Glorified in France and Germany in the 19th century, Wagner's image was hijacked: the revolutionary art of this close friend of Bakunin was soon enlisted by the Nazis in the service of their propaganda.

The authors retrace Wagner's life, his philosophy and the contrasting reception of his work. They remind us of the emotional shock he provoked and demonstrate that there is a before and after Wagner in European cultural history.

Philosopher and musicologist Dorian Astor has re-translated Ma vie de Wagner (Éditions Perrin, 2012). He contributes to events organized by the Opéra national de Paris to mark the composer's bicentenary.

Hermann Grampp is a German music historian and critic, specializing in Wagner's reception in France. He has contributed to several dictionaries on Wagner.

Aseyn illustrated for the Comprendre/Essai graphique Camus collection (2013). He also works for the press and advertising.