1. Richard Wagner The Art-Work of the Future
Prepared by: Dr. Kay Picart
Edited by Jessica Labbé and Dr. Kay Picart

2. Review Question:
According to Wagner, what do the three “sisters,” who are metaphorically entwined in a dance to produce art, represent?

3. Review Question:
How does Wagner approach love as an artistic ideal?

4. Review Question:
According to Wagner, what role does egoism play in art?

5. Review Question:
What are the strengths and weaknesses of poetic art-work?

6. Discussion Question:
Discuss the role the three sisters play in operatic form.
Wagner's Die Walküre

7. Portrait of Richard Wagner
Concluding Remarks
Gesamtkunstwerk—complete work of art; “an ideal synthesis of music, dance and speech” (108)
Portrait of Richard Wagner

8. Concluding Questions:
Do you think art can/should be united? Why/Why not?
How successful is opera as an “art work of the future”?