The Disciple

The Disciple, volume 1, explores the profound impact of Wagnerism on American intellectual life during the late nineteenth century. Joseph Horowitz presents a historical fiction narrative centered on conductor Anton Seidl, the influential protégé of Richard Wagner. Following his arrival in the United States in 1885, Seidl dedicated his life to propagating Wagner's musical legacy. This historical novel examines Seidl's immense influence on the Gilded Age classical music scene, portraying him as a man shaped by the indelible shadow of his mentor.

This work of literature and fiction features prominent figures such as Antonin Dvorak and concert impresario Laura Langford. Through the lens of the Seidl Society and its performances at Brighton Beach and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the story highlights the cultural history of the era. As a prequel to The Marriage: The Mahlers in New York, The Disciple serves as a compelling piece of historical genre fiction that investigates the emotional connection between American audiences and Wagnerian music.