Wagner Descendant to Tell UA Audience of His Concern with Family Legacy

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The great-grandson of 19th century German composer Richard Wagner will discuss his concerns that his family legacy continues building a foundation for fascism in a talk scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in the recital hall of the Moody Music Building on The University of Alabama campus.

Dr. Gottfried Wagner’s talk, entitled “From Richard Wagner to Adolf Hitler,” is sponsored by UA’s Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies in the department of religious studies, in cooperation with the University’s School of Music.

Gottfried Wagner, a writer, lecturer and music theatre director, will discuss the cultural and political role of his great-grandfather and the after-effect his beliefs had on Hitler. Co-founder of the Post-Holocaust Dialogue group, Wagner lives in Italy. His writings, which have been published in 11 languages, have dealt with the humanitarian questions relating to anti-Semitism and German culture and politics.

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) is said to have revolutionized German opera and been one of the most influential people of his century.