Richard Wagner's Influence On Modern Music

Introduction Wilhelm Richard Wagner was one of the most significant composers in Western music history. His music’s influence can be felt in the modern age. A rough childhood did not stop him from becoming one of the world's most influential—and controversial—composers. This paper will examine his life and will show him to be the leading figure in nineteenth century music.

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In Leipzig, Germany, Richard Wagner was born on May 22, 1813. Wagner was well known for his intriguing works like his 18-hour Ring Cycle, also for his discriminatory works, that made Adolf Hitler a fan. There is an idea that some of his works were used in camps during World War II. His parent situation is a little confusing. He is either the son of Friedrich Wagner,

Film composers, including John Williams, used some of the way he created his music. Richard’s work would influence modern film scores, including Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. He later was able to meet Mathilde Wesendonck and after falling in love and spending time with her he was inspired to write Tristan and Isolde. Since he had an affair with Wesendonck and other problems he had in his life, this eventually led to his separation with his wife. In 1862, he was finally able to return to Germany. King Ludwig IIwas a fan of his work, and invited him to settle in Bavaria, and supported him financially. Richard didn't stay long in Bavaria, because it was realized that he was having an affair with Cosima. A man named Bülow, who condoned the affair, directed Tristan and Isolde in 1865. Richard and Cosima had two children together before finally marrying in 1870. The first two operas of Ring Cycle, Das Rheingold and Die Walküre, were debuted in 1869 and 1870. Ring Cycle included 4 operas that totaled a time of 18 hours in 1872. He completed his last opera, Parsifal, in 1882, and was performed at the Bayreuth Festival that same