Sir James recalls his early experiences being enraptured delighted by Wagner’s music—memories that have endured to this day. Though Wagner remains controversial because of the Nazis’ appropriation of his music, Sir James insists that Wagner still has something to teach us about our own shadows and art. Parsifal, his opera based on Christian themes, helps us appreciate the Eucharistic mystery.
An excerpt: “The Good Friday Music” from Richard Wagner’s Parsifal Daniel Barenboim / Harry Kupfer Production:
A full performance: Conducted by Horst Stein (with English subtitles):
