Introducing Wagner

Wagner's operas rank among the supreme achievements of Western culture, and passages such as 'Ride of the Valkyries' are familiar to millions. a self-styled social revolutionary and passionate advocate of Germanic culture, Wagner thought that the world could be redeemed through vegetarianism and 'Aryan' philosophy. His later appropriation by the Nazis has made enjoyment of his music a controversial pastime to this day. Music critic Michael White and artist Kevin Scott separate the composer's art from the ideas and the arrogant, destructive personal behaviour of the man, providing a unique introduction to one of the most famous composers of all time