I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that today is the birthday of the all-time greatest German composer of opera, Richard Wagner. Wagner was the George Lucas of his time—he transformed opera and revelled in new technologies and effects. Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, on May 22, 1813.
I tend to think it’s an omission to note Wagner and not note with at least an asterisk the obvious non-musical fact about him, but it’s a personal opinion, to be sure.
Actually, Gary, I’m inclined to agree with you and toyed with the idea of amplifying my post in that direction. I decided on merciful brevity instead.
Wasn’t it Wagner about whom Mark Twain commented, “His music is better than it sounds?”
Yep. Sam Clemens, my fellow Missourian, was a man of rare wit and insight.
Just to be absolutely clear, incidentally, I wasn’t suggesting that either one couldn’t/shouldn’t praise Wagner’s music, nor that one is obligated to rant about other beliefs of his each time one does. I just do feel strongly enough about his importance to the history of anti-Semitism in the past two centuries that it rates a line of mention. I don’t, to also be clear, mention this to say you need have, or to further emphasis my point — just to be very clear about what I was saying.
I’ve loved Clemens’ writing since I was a child. (And I don’t mean Sawyer, but his visit to Hell and Letters and such.