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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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  • Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Watson, Fassbaender, Popp, Ridderbusch, Kusche, Carlos Kleiber / Live Recording 13. Juli 1973 / Orfeo 3x Audio CD, Stereo 2008 / C 581 083 D Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Watson, Fassbaender, Popp, Ridderbusch, Kusche, Carlos Kleiber / Live Recording 13. Juli 1973 / Orfeo 3x Audio CD, Stereo 2008 / C 581 083 D
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    Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Watson, Fassbaender, Popp, Ridderbusch, Kusche, Carlos Kleiber / Live Recording 13. Juli 1973 / Orfeo 3x Audio CD, Stereo 2008 / C 581 083 D

    $54.91
    Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier - Watson, Fassbaender, Popp, Ridderbusch, Kusche, Carlos Kleiber / Live Recording 13. Juli 1973 / Orfeo 3x Audio CD, Stereo 2008 / C 581 083 D UPC 4011790581323   Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the...
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  • Richard Strauss: Don Juan; Don Quixote - André Previn, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Telarc Audio CD 1991 / CD-80262 Richard Strauss: Don Juan; Don Quixote - André Previn, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Telarc Audio CD 1991 / CD-80262
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    Richard Strauss: Don Juan; Don Quixote - André Previn, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Telarc Audio CD 1991 / CD-80262

    $69.10
    Richard Strauss: Don Juan; Don Quixote - André Previn, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra / Telarc Audio CD 1991 / CD-80262 UPC 089408026225   Total Playtime 59:30   Richard Georg Strauss (German: [ˈʁɪçaʁt ˈʃtʁaʊs];...
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  • Famous Marches - Barbirolli; Barenboim; Beecham; Bernstein; Boskovsky; Boult; Fremaux; Karajan; Malko; Martinon; Muti; Previn; Strauss / EMI Classics Audio CD 2004 Stereo / 724358610925 Famous Marches - Barbirolli; Barenboim; Beecham; Bernstein; Boskovsky; Boult; Fremaux; Karajan; Malko; Martinon; Muti; Previn; Strauss / EMI Classics Audio CD 2004 Stereo / 724358610925
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    Famous Marches - Barbirolli; Barenboim; Beecham; Bernstein; Boskovsky; Boult; Fremaux; Karajan; Malko; Martinon; Muti; Previn; Strauss / EMI Classics Audio CD 2004 Stereo / 724358610925

    $9.91
    Famous Marches - Barbirolli; Barenboim; Beecham; Bernstein; Boskovsky; Boult; Fremaux; Karajan; Malko; Martinon; Muti; Previn; Strauss / EMI Classics Audio CD 2004 Stereo UPC 724358610925   Label: EMI Classics –...
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  • Strauss: Symphony No. 2 in F Minor; Six Songs; Romanze For Cello And Orchestra / Eileen Hulse (soprano), Raphael Wallfisch (cello), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Jarvi / Chandos Classics Audio CD 2004 / CHAN 10236 X Strauss: Symphony No. 2 in F Minor; Six Songs; Romanze For Cello And Orchestra / Eileen Hulse (soprano), Raphael Wallfisch (cello), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Jarvi / Chandos Classics Audio CD 2004 / CHAN 10236 X
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    Strauss: Symphony No. 2 in F Minor; Six Songs; Romanze For Cello And Orchestra / Eileen Hulse (soprano), Raphael Wallfisch (cello), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Jarvi / Chandos Classics Audio CD 2004 / CHAN 10236 X

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    $29.91
    Strauss: Symphony No. 2 in F Minor; Six Songs; Romanze For Cello And Orchestra / Eileen Hulse (soprano), Raphael Wallfisch (cello), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Jarvi / Chandos Classics Audio CD 2004 / CHAN 10236 X UPC...
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  • Richard Wagner: Opern-Szenen mit Theo Adam - Staatskapelle Dresden, Theo Adam, Marek Janowski - Das Rheingold; Die Walküre; Siegfried; Parsifal / ETERNA LP Stereo 1980 / 8 27 045 Richard Wagner: Opern-Szenen mit Theo Adam - Staatskapelle Dresden, Theo Adam, Marek Janowski - Das Rheingold; Die Walküre; Siegfried; Parsifal / ETERNA LP Stereo 1980 / 8 27 045
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    Richard Wagner: Opern-Szenen mit Theo Adam - Staatskapelle Dresden, Theo Adam, Marek Janowski - Das Rheingold; Die Walküre; Siegfried; Parsifal / ETERNA LP Stereo 1980 / 8 27 045

    $77.77
    Richard Wagner: Opern-Szenen mit Theo Adam - Staatskapelle Dresden, Theo Adam, Marek Janowski - Das Rheingold; Die Walküre; Siegfried; Parsifal / ETERNA LP Stereo 1980 8 27 045   Label: ETERNA – 8 27 045 Format: Vinyl, LP,...
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  • Wagner: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg (Act II - Complete Recording) - The Chorus Of The Vienna State Opera with The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch / Decca LP / LXT 2560-1 Wagner: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg (Act II - Complete Recording) - The Chorus Of The Vienna State Opera with The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch / Decca LP / LXT 2560-1
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    Wagner: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg (Act II - Complete Recording) - The Chorus Of The Vienna State Opera with The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch / Decca LP / LXT 2560-1

    $77.77
    Wagner: Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg (Act II - Complete Recording) - The Chorus Of The Vienna State Opera with The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch / Decca LP  LXT 2560-1   Label: Decca – LXT...
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  • Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Großer Querschnitt) - Christa Ludwig, Kerstin Meyer, Teresa Stich-Randall, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Otto Edelmann, Nicolai Gedda, Harald Pröglhoff, Eberhard Wächter / Columbia LP Stereo / STC 80 661 Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Großer Querschnitt) - Christa Ludwig, Kerstin Meyer, Teresa Stich-Randall, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Otto Edelmann, Nicolai Gedda, Harald Pröglhoff, Eberhard Wächter / Columbia LP Stereo / STC 80 661
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    Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Großer Querschnitt) - Christa Ludwig, Kerstin Meyer, Teresa Stich-Randall, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Otto Edelmann, Nicolai Gedda, Harald Pröglhoff, Eberhard Wächter / Columbia LP Stereo / STC 80 661

    $77.77
    Richard Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Großer Querschnitt) - Christa Ludwig, Kerstin Meyer, Teresa Stich-Randall, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Otto Edelmann, Nicolai Gedda, Harald Pröglhoff, Eberhard Wächter / Columbia LP Stereo  STC 80...
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  • Richard Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer - Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 25 207 Richard Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer - Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 25 207
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    Richard Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer - Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 25 207

    $77.77
    Richard Wagner: Der Fliegende Holländer - Marianne Schech, Sieglinde Wagner, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rudolf Schock, Fritz Wunderlich, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 8 25 207 Product...
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  • Elisabeth Söderström Sings Richard Strauss – Four Last Songs; Closing Scene From Capriccio; Marschallin's Monologue From Der Rosenkavalier - Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong / His Master's Voice LP Stereo 1982 / ASD 4103 Elisabeth Söderström Sings Richard Strauss – Four Last Songs; Closing Scene From Capriccio; Marschallin's Monologue From Der Rosenkavalier - Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong / His Master's Voice LP Stereo 1982 / ASD 4103
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    Elisabeth Söderström Sings Richard Strauss – Four Last Songs; Closing Scene From Capriccio; Marschallin's Monologue From Der Rosenkavalier - Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong / His Master's Voice LP Stereo 1982 / ASD 4103

    $77.77
    Elisabeth Söderström Sings Richard Strauss – Four Last Songs; Closing Scene From Capriccio; Marschallin's Monologue From Der Rosenkavalier - Orchestra Of Welsh National Opera, Richard Armstrong / His Master's Voice LP Stereo...
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  • Joan Sutherland Sings Wagner - National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge / Decca LP 1979 Stereo / SXL 6930 Joan Sutherland Sings Wagner - National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge / Decca LP 1979 Stereo / SXL 6930
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    Joan Sutherland Sings Wagner - National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge / Decca LP 1979 Stereo / SXL 6930

    $77.77
    Joan Sutherland Sings Wagner - National Philharmonic Orchestra, Richard Bonynge / Decca LP 1979 Stereo SXL 6930   Label: Decca – SXL 6930 Format: Vinyl, LP Country: UK Released:   1979 Genre: Classical,...
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  • Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Martin Ritzmann, Hanne-Lore Kuhse, Ludmila Dvořáková, Karl-Heinz Stryczek, Theo Adam, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Otmar Suitner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 434 Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Martin Ritzmann, Hanne-Lore Kuhse, Ludmila Dvořáková, Karl-Heinz Stryczek, Theo Adam, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Otmar Suitner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 434
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    Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Martin Ritzmann, Hanne-Lore Kuhse, Ludmila Dvořáková, Karl-Heinz Stryczek, Theo Adam, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Otmar Suitner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 434

    $77.77
    Richard Wagner: Lohengrin - Martin Ritzmann, Hanne-Lore Kuhse, Ludmila Dvořáková, Karl-Heinz Stryczek, Theo Adam, Chor Der Deutschen Staatsoper Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin, Otmar Suitner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974  8 26...
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