Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (1813–1883) transformed opera into total works of art, fusing music, drama and myth on an unprecedented scale. From the storm-tossed overture of The Flying Dutchman to the four-evening Ring cycle, his scores changed what an orchestra could express — and his harmonic daring in Tristan und Isolde opened the door to modern music.

Wagner's music remains some of the most overwhelming a live audience can experience: vast brass chorales, shimmering strings and leitmotifs that follow heroes, gods and lovers through every twist of the story.