Wagner's Ring: The Twilight of the Gods and the Invention of the Twentieth Century

The four operas of Wagner's Ring des Niebelungen represent one of the most imposing documents of modern Western civilization. This monumental work sums up central strands of 19th century philosophical, political, social, and musical thought and in all those realms it has served as a foundation for key thinkers, ideologies, and cultural productions that shaped the 20th century, from Freud and Jung to Nazism and film scores. We will explore the operas and their sources in depth through listening, reading, and regular viewing sessions, as well as consider the way Wagner’s art has shaped rather than simply mirrored European history. (No previous musical experience is required or expected.)