Absolutely not! He adored classical music. He always said that "music is my favorite thing in life!" Not, poetry or literature, though he held both in very high esteem, nor his acting. Music gave him the most pleasure. He hated Wagner because of his portrayal of the myth of the "aryan race" etc. which was so much a part of Hitler's Germany. He once said his favorite composer was Mozart and this is a common feeling among musicians. My uncle was a classical musician and also found Mozart special. Oskar also found enjoyment in the music of Bach, my favorite composer. But, I doubt he "hated" any other composer. As you see, Wagner was singled out for "philosophical/ political" reasons and, perhaps because his music was overly dramatic. It is thought of as "colorful" today. But you can't separate Wagner from the concept of the "aryan race" which is paramount in his "Ring Cycle" Operas. Oskar did not hate a composer because of his nationality, not ever. He may have liked some composers more than others, most of us do have favorites. But, his love for music itself was paramount. One way to tell with Oskar is what composers' works cropped up in any of his films etc. In the case of Chopin, the famous pianist is noticably part of the episode of the tv series of "Columbo" in which Oskar played the villian. Hope this helps.

Thanks...
Pamala, Thank you for your response. I had a reason for asking the way I did...I recently was given a copy of Oskar Werner's "Last Interview"...And, though I am learning German...I misunderstood some of what was said. He states that he hates Wagner...but in almost the same breath he mentions Chopin and Schubert...I misunderstood the first statement about Wagner...and I thought he was saying he liked Chopin and Schubert...I just wanted to make sure I didn't misunderstand that, too! I DO know a bit about classical music. I had fifteen years of piano, myself...and I have taught piano for many years, including my children and grandchildren...Chopin and Bach are my favorites.... So...again...thanks for your input!

Ah, yes, Wagner the pest. ;) I couldn't agree more with Mr. Werner. Wagner was also a known anti- Semitic, so surely another reason why he didn't like him.

Yes, that was where the "ideal aryan race" idea came from. Even though Wagner himself had died by Hitler's time, his widow was much honored by the "Third Reich." It must be said, though, that not all of Wagner's music was like the "Ring Cycle" operas. These are also much parodied which is the classic "put down" for any artist's work over time.