Wagner/ Brahms Music, Culture, Politics
– a comparative study of two paragons of 19th century German romantics. Talk by Professor Walter Frisch.
A Wagner Society Manchester talk on Monday 11 May 2026, at 19.00 UK time via Zoom
This talk will explore the relationship between two figures who were arguably the most important German composers of the late nineteenth century. Although early on Wagner and Brahms had several positive interactions and even expressed mutual admiration, the two composers became caught up in a broader culture war, pitted against each other by their respective followers. In this conflict, Wagner was often depicted as modern and progressive and Brahms as backward-looking and conservative. But their musical languages, as well as their cultural and political values, suggest the opposite may be the case.
Walter Frisch is Professor of Music at Columbia University in New York, where he has taught since 1982. He has also been a guest professor at the University of Freiburg in Germany, Yale University, Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania and has lectured on music throughout the United States, and in England, France, Spain, Germany, and China.
As usual, members of the Society will be sent the zoom link nearer the time.
Non-members wishing to attend should contact susi.manchesterwagnersociety@gmail.com for details of how to attend the meeting.
All are warmly invited to come along to what should be a fascinating talk