Operas by Richard Wagner
A life full of debts, political exile, and love affairs… Richard Wagner forever changed the landscape of opera. His operas, or music dramas as he preferred them called, incorporated several artistic disciplines and were often based on Nordic myths and legends. He portrayed themes of love and redemption in his music dramas, themes that are universal and truly timeless. Join us in celebrating his birth month by exploring the legacy and impact Wagnerian operas have had on our world and the world of opera!
Lohengrin - "Bridal Chorus"Libretto: Richard Wagner
Year: 1850 "The Bridal Chorus," generally known as "Here Comes the Bride" or "The Wedding March," is a common tune played at weddings as the bride processes in. It is from one of Wagner's romantic operas, based on the medieval german romantic tale "The Knight of the Swan." In some religious circles, it is not played due to its secular background. It is also not used in Jewish weddings as a result of Wagner's anti-semitic views. |
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Rienzi - "Allmächt'ger Vater"
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Year: 1842 Rienzi is one of Wagner's most controversial operas, portraying his own leftist, anti-Semitic political ideals. Hitler shared Wagner's ideas and was a big fan of Wagner's work. In this aria, the title character Rienzi cries out to God for strength after being exiled from Rome for leading a coup against the Roman nobles. This opera is not often performed in its entirety due to its anti-semitism, but this aria, a few other vocal works, and the overture are often performed in a concert setting. |
Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Year: 1843 Taking place off the course of Norway in the 18th century, The Flying Dutchman is a tragic opera that centers around the theme of redemption through love. This opera was key to Wagner's career and is still performed to this day. In the overture, there are several leitmotifs, recurring musical ideas, presented that represent characters and thematic material. The use of the leitmotif is one of Wagner's legacies in the opera world. |
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Tristan und Isolde (Tristan and
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Year: 1865 This tragic opera was partly inspired by a love affair Wagner himself had and partly by the 12th century romantic tale "Tristan" by Gottfried von Straussburg. Wagner's innovative use of chromaticism and tonal ambiguity helped pave the way for several 20th century composers. Liebestod, German for "love death," is the aria (spoiler alert!) Isolde sings over Tristan's dead body. This aria is often used in soundtracks of today's tv shows and movies. |
The Ring Cycle - "Ride of the
Libretto: Richard Wagner
Year: 1876 Consisting of 4 full-length operas and lasting around 15 hours, The Ring Cycle is truly one of Wagner's most incredible works. The cycle is tied together by leitmotifs and is based on Nordic mythology about the story of a magic ring that has the power to control the world. Taking Wagner 26 years to complete, it is a great example of gesamtunkstwerk, german for "total work of art." This was an aesthetic ideal involving the combination of several art forms into one work that Wagner developed and found to be crucial to his compositions. "The Ride of the Valkyries" is a famous piece found in several soundtracks, including a scene in "Apocalypse Now" and in "Loony Tunes." |
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