Richard Wagner
1813 – 1883
Wagner thought bigger than anyone. His operas last hours, employ vast orchestras, and tackle mythic themes of love, death, and redemption. Controversial in life and after, his music remains overwhelming in its power.
Essential Listening
Ride of the Valkyries
Warrior maidens descend from the clouds. Wagner's most famous passage — exhilarating, bombastic, and instantly recognizable.
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Isolde's 'love-death' over Tristan's body. The music builds to ecstatic release — love and death merging into one.
Tannhäuser - Overture
Sacred and profane intertwine. Wagner contrasts pilgrims' hymns with sensual temptation in a gripping musical drama.
Discover Wagner in These Journeys
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