The <i>anagnorisis</i> in Richard Wagner

Abstract

Most of Richard Wagner’s libretti display the setting of many events before the story, strictly speaking, begins. Thus, the plot involves the recognition of these facts, and their potential emotional impact.
As Wagner considers anagnorisis or a recognition process as a very important process, he belongs to Aristotle’s tradition. Nevertheless, Wagner did not read Aristotle directly, but instead he acquired his appreciation of anagnorisis by reading Droysen’s translation of Aeschylus, published in 1832. Though Wagner’s works show recognition processes, the most admirable example of an anagnorisis is the musical drama Tristan and Isolde, especially in the scene of love and death potions.