WHAT MUSIC DID NIETZSCHE LOVE AND COMPOSE?

Abstract

Th is article deals with Nietzsche’s ways as a composer who left his very own mark in the history of German music. Th e author analyzes the legacy of Nietzsche as the composer from the early symphonic poem “Ermanaric” until the later “Manfred — Meditations”, known in the version for two pianos. Special attention is paid to Nietzsche’s vocal lyrics, in particular the song “Spell”, setting to music the eponymous Pushkin poem. Th e study of his music and individual style reveals the aesthetic principles of his philosophy of music. Th e article analyzes Nietzsche’s debate with Wagner and his denial of the “music of the future”, and explains the reasons for his disillusion in romantic art and metaphysics of Schopenhauer. Th e diff erence between Nietzsche’s and Wagner’s compositions clearly shows them as musical antipodes.

Keywords:

Nietzsche, Wagner, composer, romanticism, metaphysics, Pushkin, theme, melody