null

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

Sort By:

Display Type:
Filters
  • Product
  • Qty in Cart
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Subtotal
  • Wagner Heroines - Mária Temesi / Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Conducted by Yuri Simonov / Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 2004 / HCD 32317 (5991813231727) Wagner Heroines - Mária Temesi / Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Conducted by Yuri Simonov / Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 2004 / HCD 32317 (5991813231727)
    Quick view

    Wagner Heroines - Mária Temesi / Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Conducted by Yuri Simonov / Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 2004 / HCD 32317

    Hungaroton Classic
    $25.99
    Wagner Heroines - Mária Temesi / Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra / Conducted by Yuri Simonov / Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 2004 HCD32317 upc 5991813231727 MADE IN HUNGARY TOTAL TIME: 65:05  Temesi Mária (Szeged, 1957...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $25.99
    Subtotal:
  • Paavo Järvi meets Elisabeth Leonskaja DVD 2001 / Israel Philharmonic Orchestra / Brahms, Schumann (4028462900061) Paavo Järvi meets Elisabeth Leonskaja DVD 2001 / Israel Philharmonic Orchestra / Brahms, Schumann (4028462900061)
    Quick view

    Paavo Järvi meets Elisabeth Leonskaja DVD 2004 / Israel Philharmonic Orchestra / Brahms, Schumann / 5 Tone

    $35.99
    Paavo Järvi meets Elisabeth Leonskaja DVD 2004 / Israel Philharmonic Orchestra / Brahms, Schumann / 5 Tone UPC 4028462900061 MADE IN GERMANY REGION 0 PAL DVD (ALL REGIONS) Audio: Dolby 2.0, Dolby 5.1 Subtitles: - Runtime: 95 minutes + 35 min...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $35.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Catarina Ligendza, Christa Ludwig, Placido Domingo, Horst R. Laubenthal, Roland Hermann / Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper / Cond. Eugen Jochum / Audio CD SET - 4 CD (028941527820) Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Catarina Ligendza, Christa Ludwig, Placido Domingo, Horst R. Laubenthal, Roland Hermann / Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper / Cond. Eugen Jochum / Audio CD SET - 4 CD (028941527820)
    Quick view

    Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Catarina Ligendza, Christa Ludwig, Placido Domingo, Horst R. Laubenthal, Roland Hermann / Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper / Cond. Eugen Jochum / Audio CD SET - 4 CD

    $149.99
    Richard Wagner - Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Catarina Ligendza, Christa Ludwig, Placido Domingo, Horst R. Laubenthal, Roland Hermann / Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Oper / Cond. Eugen Jochum / Audio CD SET - 4...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $149.99
    Subtotal:
  • Wagner - Chöre / Lohengrin - Götterdämmerung - Parsifal - Der Fliegende Holländer - Tannhäuser - Der Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Conducted by Wilhelm Pitz / Audio CD / 429 169-2 / Resonance (028942916920) Wagner - Chöre / Lohengrin - Götterdämmerung - Parsifal - Der Fliegende Holländer - Tannhäuser - Der Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Conducted by Wilhelm Pitz / Audio CD / 429 169-2 / Resonance (028942916920)
    Quick view

    Wagner - Chöre / Lohengrin - Götterdämmerung - Parsifal - Der Fliegende Holländer - Tannhäuser - Der Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Conducted by Wilhelm Pitz / Audio CD / 429 169-2 / Resonance

    $59.99
    Wagner - Chöre (Choruses) / Lohengrin - Götterdämmerung - Parsifal - Der Fliegende Holländer - Tannhäuser - Der Meistersinger von Nürnberg / Chor und Orchester der Bayreuther Festspiele / Conducted by Wilhelm Pitz / Audio CD...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $59.99
    Subtotal:
  • Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser 2 DVD 2006 / The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet / Conducted by James Levine / Richard Cassilly, Eva Marton, Tatiana Troyanos, Bernd Weikl, John Macurdy / Directed for video by Brian Large (044007341711) Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser 2 DVD 2006 / The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet / Conducted by James Levine / Richard Cassilly, Eva Marton, Tatiana Troyanos, Bernd Weikl, John Macurdy  / Directed for video by Brian Large
    Quick view

    Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser 2 DVD 2006 / The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet / Conducted by James Levine / Richard Cassilly, Eva Marton, Tatiana Troyanos, Bernd Weikl, John Macurdy / Directed for video by Brian Large

    $79.99
    Richard Wagner - Tannhäuser 2 DVD 2006 / The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet / Conducted by James Levine / Richard Cassilly, Eva Marton, Tatiana Troyanos, Bernd Weikl, John Macurdy / Directed for video by Brian Large UPC...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $79.99
    Subtotal:
  • Dóra, gyere vissza by Gudrun Wagner - Hungarian translation of Dora , come back! / A  story of a teenager's quest for God
    Quick view

    Dóra, gyere vissza by Gudrun Wagner - Hungarian translation of Dora , come back! / A story of a teenager's quest for God

    $55.00
    Dóra, gyere vissza by Gudrun Wagner Hungarian Translation of Dora, Come Back! – A Story of a Teenager's Quest for God Product Details / Termékleírás Format: Paperback / Kötés: Puha...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $55.00
    Subtotal:
  • Az utolsó blues DVD 2001 The last blues / Directed by Gárdos Péter / Starring: Rudolf Péter, Fullajtár Andrea, Kulka János, Agnieszka Wagner (5999544249257) Az utolsó blues DVD 2001 The last blues / Directed by Gárdos Péter / Starring: Rudolf Péter, Fullajtár Andrea, Kulka János, Agnieszka Wagner (5999544249257)
    Quick view

    Az utolsó blues DVD 2001 The last blues / Directed by Gárdos Péter / Starring: Rudolf Péter, Fullajtár Andrea, Kulka János, Agnieszka Wagner

    $29.99
    Az utolsó blues DVD 2001 The last blues / Directed by Gárdos Péter / Starring: Rudolf Péter, Fullajtár Andrea, Kulka János, Agnieszka Wagner UPC 5999544249257 REGION 1 PAL DVD   MADE IN...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $29.99
    Subtotal:
  • A Dennis the Menace Christmas DVD 2007 Dennis, a komisz Karácsonya / Directed by Ron Oliver / Starring: Robert Wagner, Louise Fletcher, Maxwell Perry Cotton, Kim Schraner, Jack Noseworthy (5996514005332) A Dennis the Menace Christmas DVD 2007 Dennis, a komisz Karácsonya / Directed by Ron Oliver / Starring: Robert Wagner, Louise Fletcher, Maxwell Perry Cotton, Kim Schraner, Jack Noseworthy (5996514005332)
    Quick view

    A Dennis the Menace Christmas DVD 2007 Dennis, a komisz Karácsonya / Directed by Ron Oliver / Starring: Robert Wagner, Louise Fletcher, Maxwell Perry Cotton, Kim Schraner, Jack Noseworthy

    $7.99
    A Dennis the Menace Christmas DVD 2007 Dennis, a komisz Karácsonya / Directed by Ron Oliver / Starring: Robert Wagner, Louise Fletcher, Maxwell Perry Cotton, Kim Schraner, Jack Noseworthy UPC 5996514005332 REGION 2 PAL DVD  MADE IN...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $7.99
    Subtotal:
  • Audio Archive Classics: Wagner, Berlioz, Thomas / Audio CD 2005 / Wagner - "Rienzi" - Overture, Siegfried" Act 2 Forest Murmurs, Berlioz - Overture: Benvenuto Cellini, Overture: Le Corsaire, Thomas - Overture: Mignon (5033107802623) Audio Archive Classics: Wagner, Berlioz, Thomas / Audio CD 2005 / Wagner - "Rienzi" - Overture, Siegfried" Act 2 Forest Murmurs, Berlioz - Overture: Benvenuto Cellini, Overture: Le Corsaire, Thomas - Overture: Mignon (5033107802623)
    Quick view

    Audio Archive Classics: Wagner, Berlioz, Thomas / Audio CD 2005 / Wagner - "Rienzi" - Overture, Siegfried" Act 2 Forest Murmurs, Berlioz - Overture: Benvenuto Cellini, Overture: Le Corsaire, Thomas - Overture: Mignon

    $9.99
    Audio Archive Classics: Wagner, Berlioz, Thomas  Audio CD 2005  Wagner - "Rienzi" - Overture, Siegfried" Act 2 Forest Murmurs, Berlioz - Overture: Benvenuto Cellini, Overture: Le Corsaire, Thomas - Overture: Mignon   The Vienna...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $9.99
    Subtotal:
  • Sylvia Sass: A Mozart-Wagner Recital / Audio CD 1986 / Hungaroton / HCD12671-2 / Mozart, Wagner, Ervin Lukacs, Andras Korodi, Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Sylvia Sass, Andras Schiff Sylvia Sass: A Mozart-Wagner Recital / Audio CD 1986 / Hungaroton / HCD12671-2 / Mozart, Wagner, Ervin Lukacs, Andras Korodi, Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Sylvia Sass, Andras Schiff
    Quick view

    Sylvia Sass: A Mozart-Wagner Recital / Audio CD 1986 / Hungaroton / HCD12671-2 / Mozart, Wagner, Ervin Lukacs, Andras Korodi, Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Sylvia Sass, Andras Schiff

    $69.99
    Sylvia Sass: A Mozart-Wagner Recital Audio CD 1986 Hungaroton HCD 12671-2 Mozart, Wagner, Ervin Lukacs, Andras Korodi, Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Sylvia Sass, Andras Schiff ADD Sung in Italian and German Notes and words in...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $69.99
    Subtotal:
  • Total: items /

Adding your products to cart