The Birth of Tragedy

One of Nietzsche's earliest works, The Birth of Tragedy (1872) is a remarkable source of inspiration. It is here that the philosopher passionately expresses his faith in the human soul and explores the consolation that art can provide for life. He presents a laudatory portrayal of the German composer Richard Wagner, arguing that his music is the saviour of Europe; like the ancient Greek playwrights that came before him, Wagner harmoniously combines the beautiful and orderly Apollonian forces with the chaotic and primal Dionysian elements. As a consequence, those who witness Wagner's art are able to live in peace with the sufferings of life. Nietzsche's use of the Apollonian and Dionysian concepts not only became hugely influential in European culture and literary criticism, but they also served to create a fascinating and poignant portrait of one of history's greatest composers.

Nietzsche has been proclaimed the seminal figure of modern philosophy as well as one of the most creative and critically influential geniuses in the history of secular thought.