Martin Mystère #409 (2024) p 24-25: The theft of Richard Wagner

Martin and the Interpol officer Steiner discuss how the Nazis ruined the legacy of Richard Wagner's music for future generations:

“On the other hand, it must be said that Wagner lived in a historical moment, the 19th century, in which anti-Semitism was already very widespread in Europe. In fact, in 1850 he published the essay “Judaism in Music”, in which he argued the inability of Jews in the musical field. It was however a contradictory statement, perhaps dictated by opportunism. It is known that throughout his life, Wagner had Jewish friends and supporters. For example, in 1882 he chose a Jew, Hermann Levi, as conductor for Parsifal. More than forty years after his death in 1925, Hitler wrote in 'Mein Kampf,' that he had seen his first opera, 'Lohengrin,' at the age of twelve, and that Wagner had been his favorite composer ever since. Nevertheless, what the Third Reich did to the musician's work was a real usurpation.”

“Wagner's music became, in effect, the 'soundtrack' of the Nazi regime. For example, the Siegfried Funeral March from Götterdammerung ('Twilight of the Gods,' first performed in 1876) was played at the funerals of the Hierarchs. That piece was also the last one performed by the Berlin Philharmonic, on April 12, 1945, in a city devastated by bombs and besieged by the Red Army.”

“Thank you for the lesson, Professor. Even though it was about things that, except for a detail or two, I already knew. I am German.”

“Um... sometimes I get a little carried away.”

“Don't apologize; it was interesting. But I recommend you be careful. Just as those fanatics targeted you once, they can do it again. We will do our best to protect you…”

“My heartfelt thanks, Captain.”

Page 25 has a subtle continuity error. On previous pages, Martin is wearing a dark necktie with an interesting circular pattern. Page 26 begins a new day, and Martin wears a striped tie. Page 25 shows the striped tie prematurely.