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Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner: The Visionary of Music Drama

Introduction to Richard Wagner

Wilhelm Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was a German composer, conductor, and theatre director, best known for his revolutionary approach to opera, which he termed "music drama." Unlike most composers, Wagner wrote both the libretto and music for his works, creating a total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk) that seamlessly combined poetry, music, drama, and visual spectacle. His use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with characters, emotions, or ideas—transformed the storytelling power of music and influenced generations of composers.

Wagner’s Most Celebrated Works

The Ring Cycle: A Monument of Operatic Art

Wagner’s epic Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung) is a four-opera cycle inspired by Norse mythology, considered one of the greatest achievements in classical music:

  • Das Rheingold (1869) – The foundation of the saga, introducing the mythical world of gods and mortals.
  • Die Walküre (1870) – Features the legendary "Ride of the Valkyries," one of the most famous orchestral works ever written.
  • Siegfried (1876) – The heroic journey of a fearless warrior, marked by powerful themes.
  • Götterdämmerung (1876) – The dramatic conclusion of the cycle, depicting the downfall of the gods.

Other Operatic Masterpieces

Wagner’s operas pushed musical boundaries, both dramatically and harmonically:

  • Tristan und Isolde (1865) – A revolutionary work that introduced extreme chromaticism, influencing modern music.
  • Lohengrin (1850) – Known for the ethereal "Bridal Chorus" ("Here Comes the Bride").
  • Tannhäuser (1845) – A tale of love, redemption, and divine struggle, featuring the famous Overture and "Pilgrim’s Chorus."
  • The Flying Dutchman (1843) – A dark and stormy opera exploring fate and salvation.
  • Parsifal (1882) – Wagner’s final opera, a deeply spiritual and mystical masterpiece.

Orchestral Innovations and Influence

Wagner’s rich harmonies, expanded orchestration, and use of chromaticism shaped the future of classical music, inspiring composers such as Mahler, Strauss, and even film score composers of the 20th century. His concept of the leitmotif remains a foundational technique in film music today.

Wagner’s Enduring Legacy

Wagner’s operas remain some of the most ambitious and transformative works in Western music. His compositions redefined the possibilities of opera, influencing both classical and contemporary music. The Bayreuth Festival, founded by Wagner himself, continues to stage his operas annually, attracting audiences from around the world.

Richard Wagner

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  • Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen (8 DVD Set) (814337010386) Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen (8 DVD Set) (814337010386)
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    Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen (8 DVD Set)   Product Information UPC: 814337010386 Product Type: DVD / Video Title: Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen Production: UNITEL Classica in collaboration with Palau de...
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  • Richard Wagner: Parsifal - A Masterful Production at Teatro La Fenice di Venezia (3 DVD Box-Set) (8007144334970) Richard Wagner: Parsifal - A Masterful Production at Teatro La Fenice di Venezia (3 DVD Box-Set) (8007144334970)
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    Richard Wagner: Parsifal - A Masterful Production at Teatro La Fenice di Venezia (3 DVD Box-Set)

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  • Tristan und Isolde – A Wagner Masterpiece (3 DVD Set) (0814337015220) Tristan und Isolde – A Wagner Masterpiece (3 DVD Set) (0814337015220)
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    Tristan und Isolde – A Wagner Masterpiece (3 DVD Set)

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    Tristan und Isolde – A Wagner Masterpiece (3xDVD Set)   Product Information UPC: 0814337015220 Product Type: DVD – Live Opera Recording Genre: Opera, Classical Music Language: German (Original) with...
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  • Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar: ARTHAUS MUSIK Presents Richard Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen | DVD Video (RingNibelungen) Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar: ARTHAUS MUSIK Presents Richard Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen | DVD Video (RingNibelungen)
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    Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar: ARTHAUS MUSIK Presents Richard Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen | DVD Video

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    Deutsches Nationaltheater und Staatskapelle Weimar: ARTHAUS MUSIK Presents Richard Wagner – Der Ring des Nibelungen | DVD Video BOX Set  UPC 807280137392   Product Information Catalog Numbers:Product Type: DVD Video...
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  • Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Großer Querschnitt / LP (SME 80 853) Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Großer Querschnitt / LP (SME 80 853)
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    Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Großer Querschnitt / LP

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    Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Großer Querschnitt / LP SME 80 853 Product Details: Label: EMI Catalog Number: SME 80 853 Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo Country: Germany Genre: Classical Released: 1980 Overview Lohengrin is one of...
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  • Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier: Begleitmusik für den gleichnamigen Film (Salonorchester-Fassung) / LP (10 151 1999043) Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier: Begleitmusik für den gleichnamigen Film (Salonorchester-Fassung) / LP (10 151 1999043)
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    Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier: Begleitmusik für den gleichnamigen Film (Salonorchester-Fassung) / LP

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    Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier: Begleitmusik für den gleichnamigen Film (Salonorchester-Fassung) / LP 10 151 1999043 Product Details: Label: EMI Format: Vinyl Country: Germany Released: 1980 Genre: Classical Overview Der...
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  • Wagner – Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) (De Nederlandse Opera) DVD (809478060086) Wagner – Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) (De Nederlandse Opera) DVD (809478060086)
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    Wagner – Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) (De Nederlandse Opera) DVD

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    Wagner – Die Walküre (The Valkyrie) (De Nederlandse Opera) DVD UPC: 809478060086 Overview Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), the second opera in his monumental Ring Cycle, is brought to life...
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  • Richard Wagner – Wesendonck-Lieder, Preludes & Overtures / Audio CD (028947787730) Richard Wagner – Wesendonck-Lieder, Preludes & Overtures / Audio CD (028947787730)
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    Richard Wagner – Wesendonck-Lieder, Preludes & Overtures / Audio CD

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    Richard Wagner – Wesendonck-Lieder, Preludes & Overtures / Audio CD UPC 028947787730 Product Details: Artist: Richard Wagner, Measha Brueggergosman, Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra Label: Deutsche Grammophon...
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  • Richard Wagner: Die Walküre (Opera Highlights) / LP Vinyl Richard Wagner: Die Walküre (Opera Highlights) / LP Vinyl
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    Richard Wagner: Die Walküre (Opera Highlights) / LP Vinyl

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    Richard Wagner: Die Walküre (Opera Highlights) / LP Vinyl Product Details: Label: Deutsche Grammophon Catalog Number: Stereo 2537012 Format: Stereo, Vinyl Country: West Germany Overview Richard Wagner’s Die...
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  • Richard Wagner: Les Maitres Chanteurs de Nuremberg (Extraits) / LP Vinyl (19 047) Richard Wagner: Les Maitres Chanteurs de Nuremberg (Extraits) / LP Vinyl (19 047)
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    Richard Wagner: Les Maitres Chanteurs de Nuremberg (Extraits) / LP Vinyl

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    Richard Wagner: Les Maitres Chanteurs de Nuremberg (Extraits) / LP Vinyl UPC 19 047 Product Features: Recording Label: Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft Release Year: 1960 Format: Vinyl (33 RPM) Duration: 33 minutes (approx.) Country of Release:...
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  • Richard Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64  KENT NAGANO, GÖTEBORGS SYMFONIKER  FARAO CLASSICS  Audio CD (4025438080918) Richard Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64  KENT NAGANO, GÖTEBORGS SYMFONIKER  FARAO CLASSICS  Audio CD (4025438080918)
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    Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 / KENT NAGANO, GÖTEBORGS SYMFONIKER / FARAO CLASSICS / Audio CD

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    Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 / KENT NAGANO, GÖTEBORGS SYMFONIKER / FARAO CLASSICS / Audio CD UPC 4025438080918 Product Details Label: FARAO...
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  • Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser Opera DVD: Zürich Opera House Production | 2 Discs (724359973395) Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser Opera DVD: Zürich Opera House Production | 2 Discs (724359973395)
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    Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser Opera DVD: Zürich Opera House Production | 2 Discs

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    Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser Opera DVD: Zürich Opera House Production | 2 Discs UPC: 724359973395 Product Features Format: DVD Video (2 Discs: DVD-9 and DVD-5) Production: Zürich Opera House Cast...
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