Parsifal

Motif 38: Purity


Musical example: Motif 38 - Purity

Soundbytes Purity (midi)

This further development from the Atonement motif (#24) (and therefore ultimately derived from Faith (#3)) is first heard in act III, as Gurnemanz tells Kundry that the pilgrim will accomplish some holy task that day, for which he must be purified. It reappears as Kundry washes the feet of Parsifal. Hans von Wolzogen called it, "the second melody of expiation".

References: von Wolzogen ex.21-2, Newman ex.48, ENO ex.19.

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