Incarnation through Compassion: Wagner's Thought World in his Last Great Drama Parsifal "Knowing through Compassion": In these three words, the spiritual and philosophical essence of Wagner's "Parsifal" finds its shortest and most concise summary, which is strikingly relevant today. Peter Berne illustrates its emergence from medieval Grail symbolism and ancient Indian thought, and analyzes how it is expressed in "Parsifal." Berne approaches the work not only from the perspective of the text but also from that of the music. His meticulous research impresses with the impartiality of his viewpoint and offers a wealth of exciting insights. His statements are easily comprehensible and highly rewarding for both scholars and musically interested readers.