This comparative study of two paragons of 19th century German romanticism will explore the relationship between two figures who were arguably the most important German composers of the late nineteenth century. Although early on Wagner and Brahms had several positive interactions and even expressed mutual admiration, the two composers became caught up in a broader culture war, pitted against each other by their respective followers. In this conflict, Wagner was often depicted as modern and progressive and Brahms as backward-looking and conservative. But their musical languages, as well as their cultural and political values, suggest the opposite may be the case.