Wagner
Save
Richard Wagner was a German composer, theatre director, polemicist, and conductor who is chiefly known for his operas. Initially a Romantic composer in the vein of Carl Maria von Weber and Giacomo Meyerbeer, Wagner radically changed the course of Western music through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), embodying the synthesis of all the poetic, visual, musical, and dramatic arts, and for his use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas, or other dramatic elements.
Origins and influences
Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1813. He showed an early interest in music and theatre, and by the age of 15 he had composed his first overture. In 1831, he entered the University of Leipzig to study music, but he soon left to pursue a career as a conductor. He held positions in Magdeburg, Königsberg, and Riga before being appointed music director of the Dresden Court Opera in 1843.
The Gesamtkunstwerk
Wagner's concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk was first fully realized in his opera Lohengrin (1850). In this work, Wagner sought to create a seamless fusion of music, drama, and visual art. He believed that the music should not merely accompany the action on stage, but should play an integral role in the development of the plot and the characters.
Leitmotifs
Read more
Richard Wagner was a German composer, theatre director, polemicist, and conductor who is chiefly known for his operas. Initially a Romantic composer in the vein of Carl Maria von Weber and Giacomo Meyerbeer, Wagner radically changed the course of Western music through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), embodying the synthesis of all the poetic, visual, musical, and dramatic arts, and for his use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas, or other dramatic elements.
Origins and influences
Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1813. He showed an early interest in music and theatre, and by the age of 15 he had composed his first overture. In 1831, he entered the University of Leipzig to study music, but he soon left to pursue a career as a conductor. He held positions in Magdeburg, Königsberg, and Riga before being appointed music director of the Dresden Court Opera in 1843.
The Gesamtkunstwerk
Wagner's concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk was first fully realized in his opera Lohengrin (1850). In this work, Wagner sought to create a seamless fusion of music, drama, and visual art. He believed that the music should not merely accompany the action on stage, but should play an integral role in the development of the plot and the characters.
Leitmotifs
Richard Wagner was a German composer, theatre director, polemicist, and conductor who is chiefly known for his operas. Initially a Romantic composer in the vein of Carl Maria von Weber and Giacomo Meyerbeer, Wagner radically changed the course of Western music through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (total work of art), embodying the synthesis of all the poetic, visual, musical, and dramatic arts, and for his use of leitmotifs—musical themes associated with individual characters, places, ideas, or other dramatic elements.
Origins and influences
Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany, in 1813. He showed an early interest in music and theatre, and by the age of 15 he had composed his first overture. In 1831, he entered the University of Leipzig to study music, but he soon left to pursue a career as a conductor. He held positions in Magdeburg, Königsberg, and Riga before being appointed music director of the Dresden Court Opera in 1843.
The Gesamtkunstwerk
Wagner's concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk was first fully realized in his opera Lohengrin (1850). In this work, Wagner sought to create a seamless fusion of music, drama, and visual art. He believed that the music should not merely accompany the action on stage, but should play an integral role in the development of the plot and the characters.
Leitmotifs
Wagner's use of leitmotifs is one of the most distinctive features of his operas. These musical themes are associated with specific characters, places, ideas, or other dramatic elements. They are used throughout the opera to recall and develop these elements, and to create a sense of unity and coherence.
Legacy
Wagner's operas have had a profound impact on the development of Western music. His use of leitmotifs and the Gesamtkunstwerk have been adopted by many later composers, including Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Arnold Schoenberg. Wagner's operas continue to be performed around the world, and they are considered to be among the greatest works of musical art ever created.
Why learn about Wagner?
There are many reasons why someone might want to learn more about Richard Wagner. Perhaps you are interested in classical music or German opera. Maybe you are a fan of the performing arts or cultural studies. Or perhaps you are simply curious about one of the most influential composers of all time.
Whatever your reason, there are many benefits to learning about Wagner. Studying his operas can help you develop a deeper understanding of music and theatre. You can also learn about the history of Germany and Europe during the 19th century. And you can gain insights into the human condition and the nature of art.
How to learn about Wagner
There are many ways to learn about Richard Wagner. You can read books about him, attend lectures and concerts, or watch documentaries. But one of the best ways to learn about Wagner is through online courses.
Online courses offer a flexible and affordable way to learn about Wagner from the comfort of your own home. You can learn at your own pace, and you can choose from a variety of courses that cover different aspects of Wagner's life and work.
What you can learn from online courses
Online courses can teach you about Wagner's life, his operas, and his musical innovations. You can learn about the history of German opera, the development of the Gesamtkunstwerk, and the use of leitmotifs. You can also learn about Wagner's influence on later composers and the performing arts.
By taking an online course, you can gain a deeper understanding of Wagner's music and his place in history. You can also develop your critical thinking and analytical skills.
Is an online course enough?
While online courses can be a valuable way to learn about Wagner, they are not enough to give you a complete understanding of his music and his work. To truly appreciate Wagner, you need to experience his operas in person. You can also benefit from reading books and articles about Wagner, and from attending lectures and concerts.
By combining online courses with other learning methods, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Richard Wagner and his music.
Path to Wagner
Reading list
Save
Save
Save
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
