The unique scholarship and ar1s1c sensi1vity of Prof. Dr Hermann Beckh (1875–1937) is in the process of being rediscovered. The great linguist, Orientalist and Chris1an priest – an ac1ve music-lover who also composed – penned pioneer works on our musical system that are respected by musicians and musicologists. This volume brings together two revised versions of his best-loved books. The Essence of Tonality is wriMen ‘…for musicians and musiclovers who, because of their par1cular musicality experience something spiritual – and for spiritual seekers and sensi1ve people who, because of their par1cular spirituality, have experienced a connec1on with music.’ Beckh believed a spiritual view of tonality would ensure music’s, and humanity’s, future. The author elucidates the correspondence of the circle of fiShs (the keys) to the zodiac. Research should be directed towards the twelve vital, spiritual key-centres, as expressing the cosmic rhythms in which we all live, rather than the abstract twelve chroma1c notes of atonality. In The Parsifal Christ-Experience, Beckh’s original insights throw new and powerful light on the search for meaning in our age, for a knowledge of the heart. In the poe1c libreMo and remarkable music of his final crea1on, Wagner – acknowledged by Bruckner as ‘the Master’ – presents the Grail legend and its imagery. The psychological drama and its ul1mate solu1on provide insights to anyone who is prepared to reflect on inner experience. Through Beckh’s references to Wagner’s own leMers, as well as a remarkable leMer from Nietzsche, the reader gains knowledge of the true nature of Wagner and his work.
HERMANN BECKH (1875-1937) studied Law and later Sanskrit, becoming Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Berlin. A master of ancient and modern languages, he wrote extensively on religious and philosophical subjects, including Buddhism, Indology, Chris1anity, Alchemy and Music. In 1911, he heard a lecture by Rudolf Steiner and was inspired to join the Anthroposophical Society, where he soon became a valued co-worker. In 1922, he helped found The Chris1an Community, a movement for religious renewal. His many books are gradually being translated from the original German and published in English.
Part 1: THE ESSENCE OF TONALITY - Authors Prefaces - Translators Preface - Postscript - Part 2: THE PARSIFAL=CHRIST=EXPERIENCE - Translators Preface - Introduction: Richard Wagner and Christianity - Chapter I: The Christ-Mystery in the Prelude to Parsifal - Chapter II: The Drama of the Christ-Experience in Parsifal - Scene 1. The Swan - Scene 2. The Walk to the Grail Castle - Scene 3. Amfortas and the Grail - Scene 4. The Gesture towards the Heart-Parsifal shakes his Head - Scene 5. Parsifal in Klingsors Realm: Awakening to Knowledge - Scene 6. Kundry-Herodias: There His gaze fell upon me. - Scene 7. The Redeeming Gaze of Christ: Karfreitagszauber - Appendix I: From Scene 2, The growth of the Gaze Motif in the transition music of Act I (The Walk to the Grail Castle) - Appendix II: From Scene 6, Kundry-Herodias: I looked at Him-and laughed ... - Appendix III: Twilight of the Gods and Resurrection: Wagners Mythological Wisdom by Emil Bock - Appendix IV: King Ludwig II of Bavaria on the 70th anniversary of his death by Rudolf Frieling
