Wagner Versus Beethoven, In The Words Of The Other Wagner Great-Granddaughter
Nike Wagner, Wieland’s daughter, pretty much knew that she’d never lead the Bayreuth Festival once her uncle Wolfgang took over. (The job went to his daughters, Eva and Katharina; Eva is now retiring.) So she’s made her own way as a writer (including a predictably dirt-filled family tell-all) and dramaturg, and now she’s directing the world’s top Beethoven festival. In a new interview, Nike says that Beethoven was ‘always on a high ethical level whereas Wagner is never on a high ethical level.’
