“In his letter of December 1859 concerning the concert close to the Prelude, Wagner tells Frau Wesendonk that she will ‘recognize ivy and vine in the music, especially when you hear it in the orchestra, where strings and wind alternate with each other” (Newman, in Bailey, p. 156). This is a variant of the “ivy and vine” idea of Wagner and Scruton claims this motive to be an elaboration of Drink of Atonement, though the rhythm and melodic contour is closer to that of the Glance. Lavignac, on the other hand, calls this motive the “Magic Casket” and claims that it is derived from the Glance (Lavignac, p. 288). Other variations and labels are noted below.
Motive Labels
