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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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  • Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg 2x DVD / Directed by Karl Kamper, Götz Friedrich, Brian Large / Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutche Oper Berlin / Conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos / Eva Johansson, Wolfgang Brendel, Gösta Winbergh (4006680101521) Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg 2x DVD / Directed by Karl Kamper, Götz Friedrich, Brian Large / Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutche Oper Berlin / Conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos / Eva Johansson, Wolfgang Brendel, Gösta Winbergh (4006680101521)
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    Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg 2x DVD / Directed by Karl Kamper, Götz Friedrich, Brian Large / Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutche Oper Berlin / Conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos / Eva Johansson, Wolfgang Brendel

    $59.91
    Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg 2x DVD / Directed by Karl Kamper, Götz Friedrich, Brian Large / Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutche Oper Berlin / Conducted by Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos / Eva Johansson, Wolfgang Brendel,...
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  • Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser (Bayerische Staatsoper, 1994) - DVD (4006680100142) Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser (Bayerische Staatsoper, 1994) - DVD (4006680100142)
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    Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser (Bayerische Staatsoper, 1994) - DVD

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    Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser (Bayerische Staatsoper, 1994) - DVD UPC: 4006680100142 Product Features Title: Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser Conductor: Zubin Mehta Director: David Alden Chorus Master: Udo...
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  • Stokowski - Maestro Celebre - Wagner / History 2x Audio CD 2001 / 2032921-303 Stokowski - Maestro Celebre - Wagner / History 2x Audio CD 2001 / 2032921-303
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    Stokowski - Maestro Celebre - Wagner / History 2x Audio CD 2001 / 2032921-303

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    Stokowski - Maestro Celebre - Wagner / History 2x Audio CD 2001 / 2032921-303 UPC 4011222032928   Label: History ‎– 2032921-303 Format: 2 × CD, Compilation, Remastered Released: 2001 Genre:...
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  • Wagner - Der Fliegende Holländer DVD 1985 The Flying Dutchman / Bayreuther Festspiele 1985 / Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Directed by Harry Kupfer / Unitel - Deutsche Grammophon (044007340417) Wagner - Der Fliegende Holländer DVD 1985 The Flying Dutchman / Bayreuther Festspiele 1985 / Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Directed by Harry Kupfer / Unitel - Deutsche Grammophon (044007340417)
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    Wagner - Der Fliegende Holländer DVD 1985 The Flying Dutchman / Bayreuther Festspiele 1985 / Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele

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    Wagner - Der Fliegende Holländer DVD 1985 The Flying Dutchman / Bayreuther Festspiele 1985 / Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Directed by Harry Kupfer / Unitel - Deutsche Grammophon UPC 044007340417 MADE IN EU REGION 0 NTSC DVD (ALL...
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  • Nighthawks DVD 1981 Fantom az Éjszakában / Directed by Bruce Malmuth / Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams, Lindsay Wagner, Persis Khambatta (5998133188731) Nighthawks DVD 1981 Fantom az Éjszakában / Directed by Bruce Malmuth / Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Billy Dee Williams, Lindsay Wagner, Persis Khambatta (5998133188731)
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    Nighthawks DVD 1981 Fantom az Éjszakában - Directed by Bruce Malmuth

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    "Nighthawks" | DVD Product Information UPC: 5998133188731 Product Type: DVD Genre: Action/Thriller Region: 2 PAL DVD Made in: EU Audio Options: English 2.0 Hungarian 2.0 Subtitles: Hungarian Total...
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  • Robert Schumann - Most beautiful melodies DVD 2003 / Classicgold collection / Performed by Wolfgang van Eyck / Art Media (8716718715625) Robert Schumann - Most beautiful melodies DVD 2003 / Classicgold collection / Performed by Wolfgang van Eyck / Art Media (8716718715625)
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    Robert Schumann - Most beautiful melodies DVD 2003 / Classicgold collection / Performed by Wolfgang van Eyck / Art Media

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    Robert Schumann - Most beautiful melodies DVD 2003 / Classicgold collection / Performed by Wolfgang van Eyck / Art Media UPC 8716718715625 REGION 0 PAL DVD  MADE IN EU AUDIO: Dolby Digital 2.0 Total Runtime: 45 minutes   English...
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  • Wagner - Götterdämmerung 3 DVD SET / Der Ring des Nibelungen / Bertrand de Billy, Harry Kupfer / Deborah Polaski, John Treleaven, Matti Salminen, Falk Struckmann, Günter von Kannen / Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona (809478009139) Wagner - Götterdämmerung 3 DVD SET / Der Ring des Nibelungen / Bertrand de Billy, Harry Kupfer / Deborah Polaski, John Treleaven, Matti Salminen, Falk Struckmann, Günter von Kannen / Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona (809478009139)
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    Wagner - Götterdämmerung 3 DVD SET / Der Ring des Nibelungen / Bertrand de Billy, Harry Kupfer / Deborah Polaski, John Treleaven, Matti Salminen, Falk Struckmann, Günter von Kannen / Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona

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    Wagner - Götterdämmerung 3 DVD SET 2005 / Der Ring des Nibelungen / Bertrand de Billy, Harry Kupfer / Deborah Polaski, John Treleaven, Matti Salminen, Falk Struckmann, Günter von Kannen / Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona UPC...
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  • Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 3. DVD 1997 Christmas with Willy Wuff 3. / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Christine Neubauer, Tommi Piper, (4260131127632) Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 3. DVD 1997 Christmas with Willy Wuff 3. / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Christine Neubauer, Tommi Piper, (4260131127632)
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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 3. DVD 1997 Christmas with Willy Wuff 3. / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Christine Neubauer, Tommi Piper, Stephan Ullrich

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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 3. DVD 1997 Christmas with Willy Wuff 3. / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Christine Neubauer, Tommi Piper UPC 4260131127632  Made in Germany   Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff – Mama braucht einen...
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  • Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 2. DVD 1995 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens (4260131127625) Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 2. DVD 1995 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens (4260131127625)
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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 2. DVD 1995 Christmas with Willy Wuff 2 / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens, Tommi Piper

    $38.99
    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 2. DVD 1995 Christmas with Willy Wuff 2 / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens UPC 4260131127625 REGION 2 PAL DVD MADE IN GERMANY AUDIO: German 2...
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  • Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 1. DVD 1994 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens (4260131127618) Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 1. DVD 1994 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens (4260131127618)
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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 1. DVD 1994 Christmas with Willy Wuff 1 / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens

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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff 1. DVD 1994 Christmas with Willy Wuff 1 / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens UPC 4260131127618 REGION 2 PAL DVD MADE IN GERMANY AUDIO: German 2...
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  • Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff DVD BOX 2014 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens, Marita Breuer (4260318089418) Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff DVD BOX 2014 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens, Marita Breuer (4260318089418)
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    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff DVD BOX 2014 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens, Marita Breuer (3 DVD)

    $69.99
    Weihnachten mit Willy Wuff DVD BOX 2014 Christmas with Willy Wuff / Directed by Maria Theresia Wagner / Starring: Ulrich Pleitgen, Gisela Schneeberger, Gruschenka Stevens, Marita Breuer UPC 4260318089418 REGION 2 PAL DVD MADE IN GERMANY AUDIO: German...
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