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Richard Wagner

(22 May 1813–13 February 1883)

Wilhelm Richard Wagner (ˈvɑːɡnər/; German pronunciation: [ˈʁiçaʁt ˈvaːɡnɐ]; 22 May 1813 – 13 February 1883) was a German composer, conductor, theatre director and polemicist primarily known for his operas (or "music dramas", as they were later called). Wagner's compositions, particularly those of his later period, are notable for their complex texture, rich harmonies and orchestration, and the elaborate use of leitmotifs: musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas or plot elements. Unlike most other opera composers, Wagner wrote both the music and libretto for every one of his stage works. Perhaps the two best-known extracts from his works are the Ride of the Valkyries from the opera Die Walküre, and the Wedding March (Bridal Chorus) from the opera Lohengrin.

Operas

Opera Premiere or date of written Libretti available
Die Feen 1833 german, english
Das Liebesverbot 1836, March 29 german, russian
Rienzi 1842, October 20 german, russian
Der fliegende Holländer One of the greatest operas 1843, January 2 german, english, russian
Tannhäuser 1845, October 19 german, english
Lohengrin One of the greatest operas 1847 german, english, russian
Tristan und Isolde 1859 german, english, russian
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg One of the greatest operas 1867, October german, english, russian
Das Rheingold 1869, September 22 german, english, french, russian
Die Walküre One of the greatest operas 1870, June 26 german, english, french
Siegfried One of the greatest operas 1871 german, english, russian
Götterdämmerung One of the greatest operas 1874 german, english, russian
Parsifal 1882, July 26 german, english

Images

Notable videos

   Richard Wagner - The Ring Without Words

Orchestral highlights from the Ring Cycle.

Conductor: Lorin Maazel
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
1988

External links