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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 - Ride of the Valkyries from 'Die Walkure'. Overture to the Mastersingers of Nuremburg'. Overt  Apollo Classics CD Audio 1996 (5028376103038) Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries from 'Die Walkure'. Overture to the Mastersingers of Nuremburg'. Overt  Apollo Classics CD Audio 1996 (5028376103038)
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    Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries from 'Die Walkure'. Overture to the Mastersingers of Nuremburg'. Overt / Apollo Classics CD Audio 1996

    $49.10
     Ride of the Valkyries from 'Die Walkure'. Overture to the Mastersingers of Nuremburg'. Overt / Apollo Classics CD Audio 1996 UPC 5028376103038 Made in EU   Wilhelm Richard Wagner (22 May 1813 – 13 February 1883) was a...
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  • Lohengrin DVD 1990 Richard Wagner / Stage director Wolfgang Weber / Vienna State Opera / Plácido Domingo, Robert Lloyd, Cheryl Studer, Dunja Vejzovic / Chorus & Opera of the Vienna State Opera - Conducted by Claudio Abbado (014381578621) Lohengrin DVD 1990 Richard Wagner / Stage director Wolfgang Weber / Vienna State Opera / Plácido Domingo, Robert Lloyd, Cheryl Studer, Dunja Vejzovic / Chorus & Opera of the Vienna State Opera - Conducted by Claudio Abbado (014381578621)
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    Lohengrin DVD 1990 Richard Wagner / Stage director Wolfgang Weber / Vienna State Opera / Plácido Domingo, Robert Lloyd, Cheryl Studer, Dunja Vejzovic / Chorus & Opera of the Vienna State Opera - Conducted by Claudio Abbado

    $88.00
    Lohengrin 2xDVD 1990 Richard Wagner / Stage director Wolfgang Weber / Vienna State Opera / Plácido Domingo, Robert Lloyd, Cheryl Studer, Dunja Vejzovic / Chorus & Opera of the Vienna State Opera - Conducted by Claudio Abbado 2-DISC SET UPC...
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  • Wagner – Complete Operas / Deutsche Grammophon 43x Audio CD 2012 / 028947905028 Wagner – Complete Operas / Deutsche Grammophon 43x Audio CD 2012 / 028947905028
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    Wagner – Complete Operas / Deutsche Grammophon 43x Audio CD 2012 / 028947905028

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    Wagner – Complete Operas / Deutsche Grammophon 43x Audio CD 2012  UPC 028947905028 !!! Condition of CD is USED - LIKE NEW !!!   Wilhelm Richard Wagner (/ˈvɑːɡnər/ VAHG-nər; German: [ˈʁɪçaʁt ˈvaːɡnɐ]; 22 May 1813 –...
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  • Wagner - Der Ring Des Nibelungen / Chor Und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele, Karl Böhm / Decca 14x Audio CD 2010 / 478 2367 Wagner - Der Ring Des Nibelungen / Chor Und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele, Karl Böhm / Decca 14x Audio CD 2010 / 478 2367
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    Wagner - Der Ring Des Nibelungen / Chor Und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele, Karl Böhm / Decca 14x Audio CD 2010 / 478 2367

    $226.99
    Wagner - Der Ring Des Nibelungen / Chor Und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele, Karl Böhm / Decca 14x Audio CD 2010 / 478 2367 UPC 028947823674   Label: Decca – 478 2367 Format: 14 x CD, Compilation, Box...
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  • Wagner - Rienzi / Kollo, Wennberg, Martin, Adam, Schreier, Hillebrand / Lejpziger Rundfunkchor, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Staatskapelle Dresden, Heinrich Hollreiser / EMI Classics 3x Audio CD 1991 Stereo / CMS 7 63980 2 Wagner - Rienzi / Kollo, Wennberg, Martin, Adam, Schreier, Hillebrand / Lejpziger Rundfunkchor, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Staatskapelle Dresden, Heinrich Hollreiser / EMI Classics 3x Audio CD 1991 Stereo / CMS 7 63980 2
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    Wagner - Rienzi / Kollo, Wennberg, Martin, Adam, Schreier, Hillebrand / Lejpziger Rundfunkchor, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Staatskapelle Dresden, Heinrich Hollreiser / EMI Classics 3x Audio CD 1991 Stereo / CMS 7 63980 2

    $49.90
    Wagner - Rienzi / Kollo, Wennberg, Martin, Adam, Schreier, Hillebrand / Lejpziger Rundfunkchor, Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Staatskapelle Dresden, Heinrich Hollreiser / EMI Classics 3x Audio CD 1991 Stereo / CMS 7 63980 2 UPC...
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  • Richard Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde - Margaret Price, René Kollo, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Kurt Moll, Staatskapelle Dresden, Carlos Kleiber / Deutsche Grammophon 4x Audio CD Stereo / 413 315-2 Richard Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde - Margaret Price, René Kollo, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Kurt Moll, Staatskapelle Dresden, Carlos Kleiber / Deutsche Grammophon 4x Audio CD Stereo / 413 315-2
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    Richard Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde - Margaret Price, René Kollo, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Kurt Moll, Staatskapelle Dresden, Carlos Kleiber / Deutsche Grammophon 4x Audio CD Stereo / 413 315-2

    $149.90
    Richard Wagner - Tristan Und Isolde - Margaret Price, René Kollo, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Kurt Moll, Staatskapelle Dresden, Carlos Kleiber / Deutsche Grammophon 4x Audio CD Stereo / 413 315-2 UPC...
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  • Karajan - Wagner - Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg / Kollo, Donath, Adam, Evans, Schreier, Hesse. Ridderbusch / Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Chor des Leipziger Rundfunks, Staatskapelle Dresden / EMI 4x Audio CD 1988 Stereo / 7 49683 2 Karajan - Wagner - Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg / Kollo, Donath, Adam, Evans, Schreier, Hesse. Ridderbusch / Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Chor des Leipziger Rundfunks, Staatskapelle Dresden / EMI 4x Audio CD 1988 Stereo / 7 49683 2
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    Karajan - Wagner - Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg / Kollo, Donath, Adam, Evans, Schreier, Hesse. Ridderbusch / Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Chor des Leipziger Rundfunks, Staatskapelle Dresden / EMI 4x Audio CD 1988 Stereo / 7 49683 2

    EMI Group Limited
    $59.90
    Karajan - Wagner - Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg / Kollo, Donath, Adam, Evans, Schreier, Hesse. Ridderbusch / Chor der Staatsoper Dresden, Chor des Leipziger Rundfunks, Staatskapelle Dresden / EMI 4x Audio CD 1988 Stereo / 7 49683 2 UPC...
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  • Wagner – Tristan Und Isolde - Ludwig Suthaus, Kirsten Flagstad / Thebom, Greindl, Fischer, Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler / EMI 1897-1997 100 Years Of Great Music / EMI Classics 4x Audio CD 1997 Mono / 724355625427 Wagner – Tristan Und Isolde - Ludwig Suthaus, Kirsten Flagstad / Thebom, Greindl, Fischer, Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler / EMI 1897-1997 100 Years Of Great Music / EMI Classics 4x Audio CD 1997 Mono / 724355625427
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    Wagner – Tristan Und Isolde - Ludwig Suthaus, Kirsten Flagstad / Thebom, Greindl, Fischer, Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler / EMI 1897-1997 100 Years Of Great Music / EMI Classics 4x Audio CD 1997 Mono / 724355625427

    $89.91
    Wagner – Tristan Und Isolde - Ludwig Suthaus, Kirsten Flagstad / Thebom, Greindl, Fischer, Dieskau, Philharmonia Orchestra / Wilhelm Furtwängler / EMI 1897-1997 100 Years Of Great Music / EMI Classics 4x Audio CD 1997 Mono UPC 724355625427...
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  • Wagner: Tannhäuser / Klaus König, Lucia Popp, Bernard Haitink, Waltraud Meier, Kurt Moll / Siegfried Jerusalem, Walton Groenroos, Donald Litaker, Rainer Scholze, Gabriele Sima / EMI Records Ltd. 3x Audio CD 1985 Stereo / 747296 8 Wagner: Tannhäuser / Klaus König, Lucia Popp, Bernard Haitink, Waltraud Meier, Kurt Moll / Siegfried Jerusalem, Walton Groenroos, Donald Litaker, Rainer Scholze, Gabriele Sima / EMI Records Ltd. 3x Audio CD 1985 Stereo / 747296 8
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    Wagner: Tannhäuser / Klaus König, Lucia Popp, Bernard Haitink, Waltraud Meier, Kurt Moll / Siegfried Jerusalem, Walton Groenroos, Donald Litaker, Rainer Scholze, Gabriele Sima / EMI Records Ltd. 3x Audio CD 1985 Stereo / 747296 8

    EMI Group Limited
    $59.90
    Wagner: Tannhäuser / Klaus König, Lucia Popp, Bernard Haitink, Waltraud Meier, Kurt Moll / Siegfried Jerusalem, Walton Groenroos, Donald Litaker, Rainer Scholze, Gabriele Sima / EMI Records Ltd. 3x Audio CD 1985 Stereo / 747296 8 UPC...
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  • Wagner - Lohengrin (Highlights = Extraits = Querschnitt = Brani Scelti) / Placido Domingo, Jessye Norman, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti / Decca Audio CD 1989 Stereo / 425 530-2 Wagner - Lohengrin (Highlights = Extraits = Querschnitt = Brani Scelti) / Placido Domingo, Jessye Norman, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti / Decca Audio CD 1989 Stereo / 425 530-2
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    Wagner - Lohengrin (Highlights = Extraits = Querschnitt = Brani Scelti) / Placido Domingo, Jessye Norman, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti / Decca Audio CD 1989 Stereo / 425 530-2

    Decca
    $69.99
    Wagner - Lohengrin (Highlights = Extraits = Querschnitt = Brani Scelti) / Placido Domingo, Jessye Norman, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti / Decca Audio CD 1989 Stereo / 425 530-2 UPC 028942553026   Lohengrin, WWV 75, is a Romantic opera in...
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  • Wolfgang Windgassen - Richard Wagner: Die Walkure / Wurttembergisches Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leinter / Universal Music Audio CD / 474 724-2 Wolfgang Windgassen - Richard Wagner: Die Walkure / Wurttembergisches Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leinter / Universal Music Audio CD / 474 724-2
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    Wolfgang Windgassen - Richard Wagner: Die Walkure / Wurttembergisches Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leinter / Universal Music Audio CD / 474 724-2

    $77.77
    Wolfgang Windgassen - Richard Wagner: Die Walkure / Wurttembergisches Staatsorchester Stuttgart, Ferdinand Leinter / Universal Music Audio CD / 474 724-2 UPC 028947472421   Label: Universal Music - 474 724-2 Format: CD,...
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  • Robert Dean Smith – Wagner Portrait / Arte Nova Voices / Arte Nova Classics Audio CD 2001 / 74321 81176 2 Robert Dean Smith – Wagner Portrait / Arte Nova Voices / Arte Nova Classics Audio CD 2001 / 74321 81176 2
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    Robert Dean Smith – Wagner Portrait / Arte Nova Voices / Arte Nova Classics Audio CD 2001 / 74321 81176 2

    Arte Nova Classics
    $39.99
    Robert Dean Smith – Wagner Portrait / Arte Nova Voices / Arte Nova Classics Audio CD 2001 / 74321 81176 2 UPC 743218117626   Robert Dean Smith (born 2 May 1956 in Kansas) is an American operatic tenor. Smith studied at Pittsburg State...
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