Proms 2013: Jewish conductor Daniel Barenboim defends performance of anti-Semitic Wagner's Ring cycle
'It is Wagner's greatest misfortune that he became Hitler's favourite composer', says Israeli conductor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Renowned Jewish conductor Daniel Barenboim has defended his upcoming performance of the Ring cycle by Wagner, a composer known for his anti-Semitic views.
The Argentine-Israeli will perform the cycle in its entirety at this summer's Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, which is his first Wagner opera in the UK.
Speaking to the Radio Times about performing music by Hitler's favourite composer, he said: "First of all, one has to say Wagner's anti-Semitism is abhorrent, beyond anything that is acceptable.
"He was a German nationalist in the second half of the 19th century. All nationalists at this time - in England, France, Germany, Russia - were anti-Semitic. It was not unusual.
The 70-year-old, who lived in Israel from the age of ten after his family moved from Argentina, added: "Hitler saw in him - and in his anti-Semitism - a prophet and it is Wagner's greatest misfortune that he became Hitler's favourite composer. That was not Wagner's fault. And the operas are not anti-Semitic.
"They don't deal with the anti-Semitic questions. If they did, I don't think I would be able to perform them."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments