From Wolfram to Wagner and Beyond: Sexuality, Freedom, and the Avoidance of Tragedy in Parsifal

Abstract

While Wolfram's poem Parzival explores chivalry, Wagner, who based his final music drama Parsifal on Wolfram's poem, is concerned with more metaphysical matters. Nevertheless, Wolfram influenced Wagner in his depiction of the sexual maturation of the hero. Wagner's Parsifal seems to be destined for a life of celibacy, but a recent production of the music drama opts for a more secular ending which reflects Wolfram's positivism and optimism.