Siegfried Wagner & The Pressures To Conform

Description
Siegfried Wagner, son of Richard Wagner, had to overcome many obstacles in his life. Take a minute to get the scoop!

Fun Fact
Siegfried Wagner's most famous piece is likely his opera "Der Bärenhäuter" (The Bearskin), based on a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Premiered in 1899, it showcases his romantic style with lush orchestrations and Wagnerian influences, though often overshadowed by his father's works.
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About Steven, Host
Steven is a Canadian composer & actor living in Toronto. Through his music, he creates a range of works, with an emphasis on the short-form genre—his muse being to offer the listener both the darker and more satiric shades of human existence. If you're interested, please check out his music website for more. Member of the Canadian League Of Composers.
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Transcript

The life of Siegfried Wagner, son of Richard Wagner, was marked by the shadow of his homosexuality due to the social climate of the time. 

Despite his artistic talents, he faced pressure to conform to societal norms, especially from his mother. Homosexuality was illegal in Germany during his lifetime, prompting his mother to push him into marriage. 

Siegfried's romantic entanglements with men persisted, leading to discreet affairs. His relationship with English composer Clement Harris was pivotal, sparking his passion for music composition during a transformative voyage. 

However, Harris's untimely death left a lasting impact on Siegfried, evidenced by his dedication of compositions like "Glück" to his memory. 

Despite societal pressures and the facade of heterosexual marriage, Siegfried's homosexuality remained a defining aspect of his life, shaping his personal struggles and artistic endeavours.