Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
German composer who reinvented opera as musical drama, a unified art work. Wrote text and music, directed staging and performance. Built the FestSpielhaus in Bayreuth. He developed the "leitmotiv" or musical theme linked to a character or recurring symbol or concept. The influence of his Tristan and Isolde is thought to have led to the atonality of Schoenberg and his followers.
“I write music with an exclamation point!"
"Since I myself have never experienced the true happiness of love, I intend to erect another monument to this most beautiful of all dreams.."
"Never look at the trombones, it only encourages them."
Best known works: Flying Dutchman, Tannhauser, Parsifal, Ring of the Nibelung, Tristan, Der Meistersinger.