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'''Richard Wagner''' (1813 - 1883) was without question the most popular and influential [[Germany|German]] [[opera]] composer in the second half of the 19th century, who introduced numerous innovations in operatic conventions while writing in a highly original musical style. Most of his [[opera]]s are still in the repertoire of major opera houses, with ''Tristan und Isolde'' and the four-opera cycle ''Der Ring des Nibelungen'' being some of his most characteristic.

'''Richard Wagner''' (1813 - 1883) was without question the most popular and influential [[Germany|German]] [[opera]] composer in the second half of the 19th century, who introduced numerous innovations in operatic conventions while writing in a highly original musical style. Most of his [[opera]]s are still in the repertoire of major opera houses, with ''Tristan und Isolde'' and the four-opera cycle ''Der Ring des Nibelungen'' being some of his most characteristic.

Wagner was also a prolific writer and orator, and was keenly interested in philosophy and mythology. His preferred philosopher was [[Arthur Schopenhauer]], and he shared a stormy acquaintanceship with [[Friedrich Nietzsche]] as well. Most of his mature operas take their stories and symbology from old German and [[Norse]] myths.

Wagner was also a prolific writer and orator, and was keenly interested in philosophy and mythology. His preferred philosopher was [[Arthur Schopenhauer]], and he shared a stormy acquaintanceship with [[Friedrich Nietzsche]] (30 years his junior) as well. Most of his mature operas take their stories and symbology from old German and [[Norse]] myths.

==Biography==

==Biography==