Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner was a 19th-century German composer known for revolutionizing opera and music aesthetics. He believed in the unity of all artistic elements—music, drama, and design—creating a holistic experience he called "Gesamtkunstwerk," or total artwork. Wagner's use of leitmotifs, recurring musical phrases representing characters or ideas, added depth to storytelling in his operas. His works, such as "The Ring Cycle" and "Tristan und Isolde," pushed boundaries with rich harmonies and emotional intensity, influencing modern music and art. Wagner's ideas sparked debates about art, politics, and culture, making him a pivotal figure in Western music history.