French

                1. f(t)
                       \
            2. S(t) -> 4. y:h'f(t)=0;t(X'X).X'Y -> 5. b -> 6. SV'
                       /
                       3. h(t)

Character arc

ii. Departure from path of forebears by the fledgling

• \(f(t)\) The harmonic series implied when a single root note is sounded

• \(S(t)\) Unifying ii-V7-I arc (variations by mode, qualities, relatives is seperate issue)

• \(h(t)\) Landscape of travelled & less travelled paths ⁶⁹

V7. Struggles breed a form of collective idealism

• \((X'X)^T \cdot X'Y\) Collective Unconscious that allows for for Dhatemwa Kulala, Dhayawukana Emibala

I. Returning home to the divinity of self

• \(\beta\) Conceptualized as a hierarchy or rank-order of “weights” and “tensions”:

  • qualities: melody < dyad < triad

  • extensions: < 7th < 9th < 11th < 13th

  • alterations: b, #

• \(SV'\)

  • individual: which of the “barriers have been encountered and overcome?

  • change of mode, quality, relative?

  • diatonic: min7b5, dom7(#9, b9, b13), dim, etc

I

Your journey through Nietzsche and Wilde is fascinating, especially the way you’ve connected their lives, philosophies, and influences. Both Nietzsche and Wilde are indeed monumental figures, and the connections you’ve drawn highlight some intriguing parallels and divergences. Here’s a deeper dive into some aspects:

Nietzsche and Wagner

Nietzsche’s relationship with Richard Wagner is one of the most complex and discussed aspects of his life. Initially, Nietzsche admired Wagner immensely, seeing in his music a powerful expression of the Dionysian spirit—a key element in Nietzsche’s early philosophy, especially in “The Birth of Tragedy.” Wagner’s operas, with their intense emotionality and mythological themes, resonated with Nietzsche’s vision of art as a force that could transcend the mundane and tap into deeper, primal truths.

However, Nietzsche’s disillusionment with Wagner was equally intense. By 1878, when Nietzsche published “Human, All Too Human,” his break with Wagner was evident. Nietzsche came to see Wagner’s later works, especially “Parsifal,” as pandering to Christian morality and German nationalism—values Nietzsche vehemently opposed. This shift marked Nietzsche’s transition to a more individualistic and critical philosophy, moving away from the romanticism of his early years.

Wilde and Wagner

Oscar Wilde, on the other hand, maintained a consistent admiration for Wagner’s work. Wilde’s aestheticism, with its emphasis on beauty and sensory experience, found a natural ally in Wagner’s richly textured and emotionally potent music. Wilde’s own works, such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” reflect a fascination with the intersection of beauty, morality, and the tragic consequences of living purely for aesthetic experiences—themes also explored in Wagner’s operas.

Parallels and Divergences

While both Nietzsche and Wilde were influenced by Wagner, their reactions diverged significantly over time, reflecting their broader philosophical differences:

• Aesthetics vs. Morality: Nietzsche’s break with Wagner mirrored his broader philosophical shift from romantic idealism to a more critical, individualistic perspective. In contrast, Wilde’s aestheticism remained more aligned with Wagner’s romanticism, celebrating art for art’s sake and the pursuit of beauty.

• Exile and Identity: Both Nietzsche and Wilde experienced a form of exile, though their circumstances were different. Nietzsche’s self-imposed exile was driven by his philosophical quest and health issues, leading him to the solitude of the Swiss Alps and Italy. Wilde’s exile was a result of his imprisonment and subsequent social ostracism, leading him to France. This exile influenced their writings profoundly—Nietzsche’s works became more introspective and aphoristic, while Wilde’s later works, like “De Profundis,” reveal a deep sense of personal and social critique.

• Aphorisms and Wit: Both Nietzsche and Wilde had a penchant for aphorisms and wit, using these forms to convey profound truths in a digestible and often provocative manner. This stylistic choice reflects their shared admiration for French literature, particularly the aphoristic style of writers like La Rochefoucauld and Voltaire.

Modern Relevance

Your insight into how Nietzsche’s “self-attempt at criticism” shapes your understanding of modern issues, such as the opioid crisis, underscores the enduring relevance of his work. Nietzsche’s critique of modernity, with its focus on the individual’s struggle against societal norms and existential angst, can provide a framework for understanding contemporary crises.

Wilde’s exploration of aesthetics, morality, and the consequences of hedonism in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” similarly offers a lens through which to view modern issues of addiction, identity, and the pursuit of pleasure.

Conclusion

The overlapping lives and works of Nietzsche and Wilde offer a rich field for exploration. Their shared admiration for Wagner, their use of aphorisms, and their experiences of exile and social critique provide profound insights into the human condition. Engaging with their works allows for a deeper understanding of both historical and contemporary issues, making their philosophies as relevant today as they were in their own time.

II

The shared admiration Nietzsche and Wilde had for Chopin reveals another layer of their intellectual and artistic kinship. Chopin’s music, with its delicate yet powerful emotional expression, resonates deeply with the sensibilities of both thinkers, who were profoundly attuned to the complexities of the human soul and the aesthetic experiences that transcend ordinary life.

Chopin and Wilde

In “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Wilde’s characters reflect his own appreciation for Chopin’s music. The melancholy and exquisite beauty of Chopin’s compositions align perfectly with Wilde’s aesthetic ideals. Chopin’s music embodies the intense emotional and sensory experiences that Wilde celebrated. The quoted passage from Wilde’s novel demonstrates how music and personal emotions are intertwined, with Chopin’s music serving as a poignant reminder of lost love and the bittersweet nature of beauty.

Chopin and Nietzsche

Nietzsche’s reflections on Chopin in “Human, All Too Human” illustrate his deep appreciation for the composer’s mastery within the constraints of musical tradition. Nietzsche admired Chopin’s ability to express profound freedom and beauty while adhering to melodic and rhythmic conventions. This paradox of freedom within fetters is a recurring theme in Nietzsche’s philosophy, emphasizing the tension between individuality and societal norms.

Nietzsche’s specific mention of Chopin’s “Barcarolle” as capturing a moment of rapture amid a dreary existence highlights his belief in the transformative power of art. For Nietzsche, great art provides glimpses of the sublime, even within the constraints of mundane life. Chopin’s ability to evoke such moments through music aligns with Nietzsche’s idea that art can elevate the human spirit and offer profound insights into the nature of existence.

Artistic Kinship

The shared admiration for Chopin underscores a fundamental connection between Nietzsche and Wilde: their recognition of the power of art to convey deep emotional truths and to transcend everyday reality. Both thinkers saw in Chopin a kindred spirit who could navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, beauty and melancholy.

Wagner vs. Chopin

While both Nietzsche and Wilde appreciated Wagner’s grand, dramatic compositions, their connection to Chopin reveals a different facet of their aesthetic preferences. Wagner’s music, with its monumental scale and philosophical ambitions, appealed to the more intellectual and theoretical aspects of their thinking. In contrast, Chopin’s intimate, emotionally nuanced music resonated with their personal, emotional, and sensory experiences.

Nietzsche’s eventual rejection of Wagner in favor of a more critical and individualistic philosophy contrasts with his enduring admiration for Chopin. This suggests that while Nietzsche moved away from Wagner’s grandiose vision, he remained deeply connected to the personal, emotional world that Chopin’s music represented. Wilde’s consistent admiration for both composers highlights his broader aesthetic embrace of beauty in all its forms, whether grand and dramatic or delicate and intimate.

Conclusion

The mutual appreciation of Chopin by Nietzsche and Wilde adds depth to our understanding of their artistic and philosophical kinship. Chopin’s music, with its ability to convey profound emotional experiences within the bounds of tradition, mirrors the delicate balance both thinkers sought in their own work. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to connect, elevate, and transform, resonating with the deepest aspects of the human experience.

III

Absolutely, Chopin’s connection to French culture adds another layer to this intricate web of influences. Despite being Polish by birth, Chopin spent a significant portion of his life in France, and his music was deeply influenced by his experiences and the cultural milieu of Paris.

Chopin and the French Connection

Life in Paris

Chopin moved to Paris in 1831, at the age of 21, and spent the majority of his career there. Paris was the epicenter of the Romantic movement, and its vibrant cultural scene profoundly influenced Chopin’s development as a composer. In Paris, he mingled with some of the greatest artists, writers, and intellectuals of his time, including Franz Liszt, Hector Berlioz, and George Sand.

Artistic Influence

The French influence on Chopin’s music is palpable. His compositions, while rooted in Polish folk traditions, also exhibit the elegance and refinement characteristic of French art. Chopin’s style is marked by a delicate balance between passionate expressiveness and controlled, sophisticated technique—qualities that resonated with the French aesthetic of the time.

Nietzsche, Wilde, and the French

Nietzsche and French Culture

Nietzsche held French culture in high regard, particularly admiring its intellectual clarity and stylistic elegance. He often praised French writers and thinkers for their ability to express profound ideas with wit and precision. Voltaire, Montaigne, and Stendhal were among the French figures Nietzsche admired most. His aphoristic style, especially in works like “Human, All Too Human” and “Beyond Good and Evil,” reflects this French influence.

Wilde and French Culture

Oscar Wilde’s connection to French culture was equally significant. He was fluent in French and spent considerable time in France, both before and after his imprisonment. Wilde admired the decadence and sophistication of French literature, drawing inspiration from writers like Baudelaire and Flaubert. His works, including “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and his plays, often reflect the wit and style characteristic of French literary tradition.

The French Connection in Chopin’s Music

Chopin’s music, with its intricate emotional landscapes and refined technique, can be seen as embodying the qualities Nietzsche and Wilde admired in French culture. His ability to convey deep emotional truths through a delicate and sophisticated musical language mirrors the French literary tradition’s emphasis on elegance and clarity.

Chopin’s Influence on Nietzsche and Wilde

• Nietzsche: Nietzsche’s appreciation for Chopin fits with his broader admiration for French art and thought. He saw in Chopin a master of emotional expression and artistic precision—qualities he valued highly.

• Wilde: Wilde’s love for Chopin’s music aligns with his broader aesthetic philosophy, which celebrated beauty, artifice, and emotional depth. Chopin’s compositions, with their exquisite beauty and emotional complexity, resonated deeply with Wilde’s sensibilities.

Conclusion

The admiration that Nietzsche, Wilde, and Chopin shared for French culture highlights the profound influence of French intellectual and artistic traditions on their work. Paris, as a cultural hub, provided a fertile ground for artistic and philosophical development, shaping the works of these three remarkable figures. Chopin’s music, influenced by his life in France, embodies the qualities of beauty, precision, and emotional depth that Nietzsche and Wilde so admired, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and intellectual connections.