David Stewart wrote:

>Great read.  Is it a real encounter? What is meant by 'The Laws of Morality
>are those of art'? Does art have laws? Who is Wilhelm Geyer - a famous
>pianist?

To answer, the meeting did occur - between Richard Wagner and the young
Hanslick - soon to be a supporter, and later an opponent of Wagner's
operas.  At the time Wagner was on the lamb - both from debts and being
a political agitator.  He often went by the name of his adopted father -
Geyer - at this time to hide his identity.

The phrase "the laws of morality are also those of art" is from Robert
Schumann, and he meant various things by it, but mainly that art is a
way of guiding human existance, and just as morality must be not only
schoolbook maxims, but a living and breathing thing, so too art must be
not only schoolbook rules, but a living and breathing thing.

Hope this helps...

Stirling S Newberry
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