Richard Wagner

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Best known for the challenging four-opera cycle The Ring of the Nibelung, Richard Wagner (1813–83) was a multifaceted artist—conductor, librettist, theater director, and essayist—who composed some of the most enduring operatic works, including The Flying Dutchman, Tannhäuser, and Tristan and Isolde. His influence on European music is undeniable, but he was also a vocal commentator on the politics and culture of his time, impacting philosophy, literature, theater, and visual arts. Acclaimed biographer Martin Geck presents a unique Wagner biography that balances the technical aspects of his compositions with a broader understanding of aesthetics. Wagner has inspired both passionate admirers and detractors, achieving a mythical status akin to the Valkyries and Viking heroes he depicted. Few scholars possess Geck's depth of knowledge about Wagner and his legacy, as he draws from extensive research and his role as an editor of the Complete Works. Using a variety of sources, including contemporary scholars and Wagner's own writings, Geck examines key ideas in Wagner's life and works, keeping the music at the forefront. He covers major operas, unfinished works, and early dramatic attempts, making this study a landmark exploration of one of music's most significant figures, appealing to opera enthusiasts, Wagnerians, and anti-Wagnerians alike.