Abstract:
This thesis is a consideration of Richard 'Wagner's and Arthur Schopenhauer's philosophy of music, opera, and art. In Part One I examine Wagner's account of the nature of absolute music to Opera and Drama. I focus on his criticisms of absolute music and compare them with modern philosophical views. I then discuss his ideas regarding drama and how music and drama should be combined in opera. In part Two I investigate Schopenhauer's metaphysics, general philosophy of art, and specific aesthetic theories. I also discuss his account of salvation. Finally, in Part Three I inquire into Wagner's later theories and his attempts to reconcile Schopenhauer's philosophy with opera. I show that he fails. However,I also demonstrate that Wagner ultimately abandons "philosophical" approaches to opera and returs to a more traditional conception that influences the composition of his later works.
