Author
Richard Wagner
1813-1883
Richard Wagner (1813-1883) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Richard Wagner
My Life — Volume 1
"My Life — Volume 1" by Richard Wagner is an autobiography written between 1865 and 1880, covering his life from birth in 1813 to 1864. Dictated to his mistress Cosima von Bülow at the request of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Wagner recounts his tempestuous career, friendships, and controversies in surprisingly frank detail. Originally printed in limited editions for private circulation, the memoir sparked rumors due to its restricted availability. The work offers a racy, readable account of Wagner's development and the musical world of his era, though his subjective perspective reveals condescending views toward contemporaries and attacks on rival composers.
La Tétralogie de l'Anneau du Nibelung
"La Tétralogie de l'Anneau du Nibelung" by Richard Wagner is a cycle of four epic music dramas composed between 1848 and 1874. Drawing from Germanic and Norse legends, the work follows struggles over a magic ring that grants world domination. The story spans three generations, involving gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, culminating in a final cataclysm. With approximately fifteen hours of music requiring a specially built theatre, Wagner created what many consider opera's most massive undertaking.
My Life — Volume 2
"My Life — Volume 2" by Richard Wagner is an autobiography dictated between 1865 and 1880. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Wagner recounts his tumultuous career, friendships, and controversies with surprising frankness. This volume continues his story through the European musical world of the mid-nineteenth century. Originally printed in tiny private editions, the memoir's restricted circulation sparked rumors about its contents. Wagner's readable prose reveals his subjective views of contemporaries and rivals, making it both a vital historical source and a deeply personal testament.
Siegfried & The Twilight of the Gods The Ring of the Niblung, part 2
"Siegfried & The Twilight of the Gods" by Richard Wagner is an opera composed in the 1870s. This epic music drama concludes Wagner's four-part Ring cycle, premiering in 1876. The hero Siegfried possesses a powerful ring and pledges his love to the Valkyrie Brünnhilde. But when he encounters the Gibichung court, deception and a magic potion shatter his memory. Schemes unfold involving blood-brotherhood, stolen rings, and disguised identities, setting in motion events that will determine the fate of gods and mortals alike.
Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 1
"Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 1" by Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt is a collection of letters exchanged between two of the most significant figures in 19th-century music, written during the mid to late 19th century. This volume captures the complex and sometimes tumultuous friendship between Wagner, a revolutionary composer, and Liszt, a renowned pianist and conductor, as they navigate the artistic and societal pressures of their time, revealing both their personal struggles and musical philosophies. At the start of the correspondence, readers are introduced to Wagner’s feelings of isolation and artistic despair, as he reflects on the public's misunderstanding of his music and the political turmoil affecting his life and career. Central to these letters are the appeals made by Wagner to Liszt for assistance—be it moral, emotional, or financial—as he grapples with the challenges of bringing his works to life amidst adversity. Liszt emerges as a devoted friend and supporter, keen to champion Wagner's music, while also managing his own burgeoning reputation and differing artistic aspirations. The blend of personal anecdotes and musical discourse in these early letters sets the foundation for a profound exploration of art, friendship, and the burdens of creativity.
Tristan and Isolda: Opera in Three Acts
"Tristan and Isolda: Opera in Three Acts" by Richard Wagner is a music drama composed between 1857 and 1859. Based on a medieval romance, the opera explores profound themes of insatiable human longing and transcendent love beyond death. Wagner drew inspiration from philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer and his muse Mathilde Wesendonck while creating this work. The opera's revolutionary harmony and famous opening "Tristan chord" marked a defining moment in modern music. Its advanced musical language divided early audiences but grew enormously influential, shaping generations of Western classical composers.
Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 2
"Correspondence of Wagner and Liszt — Volume 2" by Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt is a collection of letters between these two prominent figures in the realm of classical music, written during the mid-19th century. This volume chronicles their thoughts, struggles, and the dynamic relationship they cultivated over their artistic endeavors, touching upon themes of friendship, artistic integrity, and personal hardships. At the start of this volume, the reader is introduced to the correspondence that captures moments from Wagner's life, highlighting his emotional turmoil and artistic aspirations. The initial letters reveal Liszt's response to Wagner's opera "Lohengrin," discussing its performance in Leipzig and expressing his admiration while also pointing out areas for improvement. Wagner, in turn, communicates his own struggles with life and creativity, illustrating a profound sense of despair over his financial situation and the lack of appreciation for his genius, even as he recognizes Liszt's unwavering support. This opening sets the stage for an exploration of their friendship amid the challenges they faced in the music world, giving us insight into the minds of two legendary composers.
The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie The Ring of the Niblung, part 1
"The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie" by Richard Wagner are the first two operas of a monumental four-part cycle composed between 1848 and 1874. These epic music dramas tell of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures struggling over a magic ring that grants world domination. Drawing from Norse sagas and Germanic legend, the story follows the schemes of Wotan, chief of the gods, as he attempts to regain the cursed ring stolen from the Rhine maidens—setting in motion conflicts that span generations and lead toward ultimate catastrophe.
The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Hollaender): Romantic Opera in Three Acts
"The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Hollaender): Romantic Opera in Three Acts" by Richard Wagner is a German-language opera composed in 1840-1841. A sea captain cursed to sail forever can only be saved through the love of a faithful woman. Inspired by Wagner's own stormy sea voyage and Heinrich Heine's retelling of the legend, this work explores redemption through love. Wagner introduces leitmotifs—recurring musical themes—for characters and ideas, marking an early step toward his later groundbreaking operatic style.
On Conducting (Üeber Das Dirigiren) : A Treatise on Style in the Execution of Classical Music
"On Conducting (Üeber Das Dirigiren): A Treatise on Style in the Execution of..." by Richard Wagner is a musicological treatise published during the late 19th century. This work aims to provide insights into the art of conducting classical music, focusing on the stylistic execution of musical compositions and the role of the conductor in bringing a score to life. Given Wagner's prominence as a composer and conductor, his observations carry substantial weight in discussions about orchestral performance standards and methodologies. The opening of the treatise outlines Wagner's intentions and frustrations regarding the state of conducting in Germany. He emphasizes the importance of a conductor's understanding of both the orchestra and the music, critiquing the prevalent practices that prioritize routine over artistry. Wagner reflects on the deficiencies in the training and practice of many conductors, addressing the consequences of their insufficient knowledge of style, tempo, and expression, particularly in relation to the works of classical masters like Beethoven and Mozart. He argues for a more nuanced approach to conducting that respects the intricacies of orchestral music, advocating for reforms to improve the execution of classical works and enhance the overall musical experience for performers and audiences alike.
Le Vaisseau fantôme (Der Fliegende Holländer)
"Le Vaisseau fantôme (Der Fliegende Holländer)" by Richard Wagner is an opera composed in 1841 and premiered in 1843. A ghostly captain is condemned to sail the seas eternally until redeemed by a woman's love. Inspired by Heinrich Heine's retelling of a maritime legend, Wagner encountered the story during a harrowing sea voyage through a Norwegian fjord. The opera marks a transition in Wagner's style, introducing themes of wandering, sacrifice, and redemption that would define his later works.
Der Fliegende Hollaender The Flying Dutchman
"Der Fliegende Hollaender" by Richard Wagner is a German-language opera composed in 1841. The work tells the legendary tale of a cursed sea captain doomed to sail the oceans forever, with only one hope for salvation: redemption through the love of a faithful woman. Inspired by Wagner's own stormy voyage and Heinrich Heine's retelling of the myth, this opera marks Wagner's early experimentation with leitmotifs and his ambition to break operatic tradition.