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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, R. Gotterdammerung (Staatsoper Stuttgart, 2003) 2 DVD Set  Stuttgart State Opera Chorus  Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra  Conductor Zagrosek, Lothar  Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 3 October 2002 & 12 January 2003  DVD (880242520982)  WAGNER, R. Gotterdammerung (Staatsoper Stuttgart, 2003) 2 DVD Set  Stuttgart State Opera Chorus  Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra  Conductor Zagrosek, Lothar  Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 3 October 2002 & 12 January 2003  DVD (880242520982)
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    WAGNER, R.: Gotterdammerung (Staatsoper Stuttgart, 2003) 2 DVD Set / Stuttgart State Opera Chorus / Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra / Conductor: Zagrosek, Lothar / Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 3 October 2002 & 12 January 2003 / DVD

    $17.91
    WAGNER, R.: Gotterdammerung (Staatsoper Stuttgart, 2003) 2 DVD Set / Stuttgart State Opera Chorus / Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra / Conductor: Zagrosek, Lothar / Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 3 October 2002...
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  • Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music  Robert Schumann Concerto for Piano and Orchestra  Martha Argerich piano  Gewandhausorchester Leipzig  Conductor Riccardo Chailly  Recorded live at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, 1-2 June 2006  DVD (880242560681) Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music  Robert Schumann Concerto for Piano and Orchestra  Martha Argerich piano  Gewandhausorchester Leipzig  Conductor Riccardo Chailly  Recorded live at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, 1-2 June 2006  DVD (880242560681)
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    Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music / Robert Schumann: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra / Martha Argerich piano / Gewandhausorchester Leipzig / Conductor: Riccardo Chailly / Recorded live at the Leipzig Gewandhaus, 1-2 June 2006 / DVD

    $19.91
    Discovering Masterpieces of Classical Music / Robert Schumann: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra / Martha Argerich piano / Gewandhausorchester Leipzig / Conductor: Riccardo Chailly / Recorded live at the Leipzig Gewandhaus,...
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  • Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie - Staatskapelle Dresden, Rudolf Kempe / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 440 Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie - Staatskapelle Dresden, Rudolf Kempe / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 440
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    Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie - Staatskapelle Dresden, Rudolf Kempe / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 440

    $77.77
    Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie - Staatskapelle Dresden, Rudolf Kempe / ETERNA LP Stereo 1974 8 26 440   Label: ETERNA – 8 26 440 Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo Country: German Democratic Republic...
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  • Richard Strauss - Burleske Für Klavier Und Orchester D-moll; Konzert Für Violine Und Orchester D-moll Op. 8 - Malcolm Frager (klavier), Ulf Hoelscher (violine) / Das Instrumentalwerk / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 853 Richard Strauss - Burleske Für Klavier Und Orchester D-moll; Konzert Für Violine Und Orchester D-moll Op. 8 - Malcolm Frager (klavier), Ulf Hoelscher (violine) / Das Instrumentalwerk / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 853
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    Richard Strauss - Burleske Für Klavier Und Orchester D-moll; Konzert Für Violine Und Orchester D-moll Op. 8 - Malcolm Frager (klavier), Ulf Hoelscher (violine) / Das Instrumentalwerk / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 853

    $77.77
    Richard Strauss - Burleske Für Klavier Und Orchester D-moll; Konzert Für Violine Und Orchester D-moll Op. 8 - Malcolm Frager (klavier), Ulf Hoelscher (violine) / Das Instrumentalwerk / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 8 26 853   Label: ETERNA...
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  • Richard Strauss - Konzert Für Oboe Und Kleines Orchester; Duett-Concertino Für Klarinette Und Fagott Mit Streichorchester - Manfred Clement (oboe), Manfred Weise (klarinette), Wolfgang Liebscher (fagott) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 855 Richard Strauss - Konzert Für Oboe Und Kleines Orchester; Duett-Concertino Für Klarinette Und Fagott Mit Streichorchester - Manfred Clement (oboe), Manfred Weise (klarinette), Wolfgang Liebscher (fagott) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 855
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    Richard Strauss - Konzert Für Oboe Und Kleines Orchester; Duett-Concertino Für Klarinette Und Fagott Mit Streichorchester - Manfred Clement (oboe), Manfred Weise (klarinette), Wolfgang Liebscher (fagott) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 / 8 26 855

    $77.77
    Richard Strauss - Konzert Für Oboe Und Kleines Orchester; Duett-Concertino Für Klarinette Und Fagott Mit Streichorchester - Manfred Clement (oboe), Manfred Weise (klarinette), Wolfgang Liebscher (fagott) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1976 8 26...
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  • Wagner - Lohengrin / Peter Hofmann, Karan Armstrong, Bernd Weikl, Elizabeth Connell, Leif Roar, Woldemar Nelsson / Bayreuth Opera / Recorded at the Festspielhaus Bayreth 1982 / Staged and Directed by Gotz Friedrich / DVD (880242720283) Wagner - Lohengrin / Peter Hofmann, Karan Armstrong, Bernd Weikl, Elizabeth Connell, Leif Roar, Woldemar Nelsson / Bayreuth Opera / Recorded at the Festspielhaus Bayreth 1982 / Staged and Directed by Gotz Friedrich / DVD (880242720283)
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    Wagner - Lohengrin / Peter Hofmann, Karan Armstrong, Bernd Weikl, Elizabeth Connell, Leif Roar, Woldemar Nelsson / Bayreuth Opera / Recorded at the Festspielhaus Bayreth 1982 / Staged and Directed by Gotz Friedrich / DVD

    $129.91
    Wagner - Lohengrin / Peter Hofmann, Karan Armstrong, Bernd Weikl, Elizabeth Connell, Leif Roar, Woldemar Nelsson / Bayreuth Opera / Recorded at the Festspielhaus Bayreth 1982 / Staged and Directed by Gotz Friedrich / DVD   Format: NTSC Run time:...
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  • Staatsoper Stuttgart - Wagner  Conductor Zagrosek, Lothar  Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra  Producer Schickling, Dieter  Stage Director Schlomer, Joachim  Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 28 & 29 September 2002  DVD (880242520685) Staatsoper Stuttgart - Wagner  Conductor Zagrosek, Lothar  Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra  Producer Schickling, Dieter  Stage Director Schlomer, Joachim  Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 28 & 29 September 2002  DVD (880242520685)
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    Staatsoper Stuttgart - Wagner / Conductor: Zagrosek, Lothar / Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra / Producer: Schickling, Dieter / Stage Director: Schlomer, Joachim / Recorded live at the Staatsoper Stuttgart, 28 & 29 September 2002 / DVD

    $24.91
    Staatsoper Stuttgart - Wagner / Conductor: Zagrosek, Lothar / Stuttgart State Opera Orchestra / Producer: Schickling, Dieter / Stage Director: Schlomer, Joachim / Recorded live at the Staatsoper...
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  • Max Lorenz Wagner's Mastersinger - Hitler's Siegfried DVD&CD Set  Recorded live in Buenos Aires in 1938 (mono)  Produced by Paul Smaczny and frank Gerdes  DVD (880242569288) Max Lorenz Wagner's Mastersinger - Hitler's Siegfried DVD&CD Set  Recorded live in Buenos Aires in 1938 (mono)  Produced by Paul Smaczny and frank Gerdes  DVD (880242569288)
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    Max Lorenz: Wagner's Mastersinger - Hitler's Siegfried DVD&CD Set / Recorded live in Buenos Aires in 1938 (mono) / Produced by Paul Smaczny and frank Gerdes / DVD

    $149.10
    Max Lorenz: Wagner's Mastersinger - Hitler's Siegfried DVD & CD Set / Recorded live in Buenos Aires in 1938 (mono) / Produced by Paul Smaczny and frank Gerdes / DVD   Format: NTSC Run time: 128...
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  • Schumann Piano Concerto  Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1  Muncher Philarmoniker  Sergiu Celibidache, Daniel Barenboim  Metropoliten Munich  Recorded at the Gasteig 1991  Directed by Janos Darvas  DVD (880242665881) Schumann Piano Concerto  Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1  Muncher Philarmoniker  Sergiu Celibidache, Daniel Barenboim  Metropoliten Munich  Recorded at the Gasteig 1991  Directed by Janos Darvas  DVD (880242665881)
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    Schumann: Piano Concerto / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Muncher Philarmoniker / Sergiu Celibidache, Daniel Barenboim / Metropoliten Munich / Recorded at the Gasteig 1991 / Directed by Janos Darvas / DVD

    $69.91
    Schumann: Piano Concerto / Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Muncher Philarmoniker / Sergiu Celibidache, Daniel Barenboim / Metropoliten Munich / Recorded at the Gasteig 1991 / Directed by Janos Darvas / DVD   Format: NTSC Run time: 81...
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  • Schumann: Piano Concerto / Symphony No. 4 - Martha Argerich / Gewandhausorchester / Riccardo Chailly / Soloist: Argerich, Martha / Orchestra: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Conductor: Chailly, Riccardo / DVD (880242554987) Schumann: Piano Concerto / Symphony No. 4 - Martha Argerich / Gewandhausorchester / Riccardo Chailly / Soloist: Argerich, Martha / Orchestra: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Conductor: Chailly, Riccardo / DVD (880242554987)
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    Schumann: Piano Concerto / Symphony No. 4 - Martha Argerich / Gewandhausorchester / Riccardo Chailly / Soloist: Argerich, Martha / Orchestra: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Conductor: Chailly, Riccardo / DVD

    $34.91
    Schumann: Piano Concerto / Symphony No. 4 - Martha Argerich / Gewandhausorchester / Riccardo Chailly / Soloist: Argerich, Martha / Orchestra: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra / Conductor: Chailly, Riccardo /...
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  • Herbert von Karajan in Rehearsal and Performance  Schumann Symphony No. 4  Beethoven Symphony No. 5  Wiener Symphoniker  Berliner Philarmoniker  The only visual record of Karajan rehearsing an entire work  DVD (880242721181) Herbert von Karajan in Rehearsal and Performance  Schumann Symphony No. 4  Beethoven Symphony No. 5  Wiener Symphoniker  Berliner Philarmoniker  The only visual record of Karajan rehearsing an entire work  DVD (880242721181)
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    Herbert von Karajan in Rehearsal and Performance / Schumann: Symphony No. 4 / Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 / Wiener Symphoniker / Berliner Philarmoniker / The only visual record of Karajan rehearsing an entire work / DVD

    $54.91
    Herbert von Karajan in Rehearsal and Performance / Schumann: Symphony No. 4 / Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 / Wiener Symphoniker / Berliner Philarmoniker / The only visual record of Karajan rehearsing an entire work / DVD   Format: NTSC Running time:...
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