It is a curious reality that two of the world’s leading interpreters of Wagnerian opera cannot freely conduct these works in their own country. Daniel Barenboim and Asher Fisch have each presided over Wagnerian productions that have elicited high praise from critics internationally – but these performances never take place in their home towns in Israel where feelings still run high at the mere mention of Wagner’s name.

Wagner was an appalling man. His arrogance was exceeded only by his hauteur. His treatment of women was appalling. And he was a bitter, vicious anti-Semite – until he needed one or other member of the Jewish community for his own ends, as was the case when Wagner was looking for the best possible musician to conduct the premiere of Parsifal. So he was also a hypocrite.

As well, this unlovely figure also dabbled in terrorism. He became involved with the Dresden Revolution in 1849, one of his duties being to make hand grenades, and ended up in exile for some years in Switzerland. Some believe his rudeness was due, at least in part, to a lifelong dermatological affliction which caused maddening itchiness and unsightly red skin blotches.

His life was often as improbable...