Richard Wagner - Musician's Biography
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Questions and Answers

Wagner's move to Paris in 1839 was primarily motivated by:

  • the need to escape mounting financial obligations. (correct)
  • a desire to study composition with renowned French musicians.
  • a commission to compose a new opera for the Paris Opera.
  • an invitation to conduct a prestigious Parisian orchestra.
  • Tristan and Isolde, a significant work by Wagner, was completed in 1859 but notably:

  • not performed publicly until several years after its completion. (correct)
  • immediately premiered to widespread critical acclaim in Bayreuth.
  • initially rejected by publishers due to its unconventional harmonies.
  • written during his time as conductor at the royal court in Dresden.
  • Wagner's unique approach to opera is best characterized by his creation of 'music dramas', distinguished by:

  • a reliance on traditional operatic forms with spoken dialogue.
  • a strict adherence to classical music forms, avoiding experimentation.
  • the integration of poetry, drama, music, and visual arts. (correct)
  • operas based exclusively on historical events and figures.
  • Despite the recognition of his musical genius, opinions on Wagner's music are described as 'varying', likely due to:

    <p>the subjective and often intense emotional and dramatic content. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wagner's relationship with Franz Liszt was multifaceted, encompassing roles such as:

    <p>friend, mentor during exile, and father-in-law through marriage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wagner's early musical development is characterized by the fact that he:

    <p>was primarily self-taught in music, despite his later fame. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The commission and support from the King of Bavaria in 1862 were crucial for Wagner because they:

    <p>resolved his financial debts and offered him a conducive environment for composition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wagner's opera Reinzi, which marked his first significant public success, premiered in:

    <p>Dresden, shortly before he assumed aConductorship at the royal court. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wagner credited Ludwig van Beethoven's music with a profound impact, specifically stating that it:

    <p>led him to abandon writing as a career and dedicate himself to music. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Wagner's decision to be buried next to his dog, Russ, in his Bayreuth house garden, most likely reflects:

    <p>his deep affection for animals and a preference for personal connection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Richard Wagner

    A German composer known for his music dramas and operas.

    Born in 1813

    Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany as the youngest of nine children.

    Marriage to Minna Planer

    Wagner married Minna Planer in 1836; their relationship was tumultuous.

    First Successful Opera

    Wagner's first successful opera was 'Reinzi' performed in 1842.

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    Exile in Switzerland

    Wagner was forced into exile in Switzerland in 1849 due to political involvement.

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    'Tristan and Isolde'

    An epic musical love story completed by Wagner in 1859, performed in 1865.

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    Return to Germany

    Wagner returned to Germany in 1862, supported by the King of Bavaria.

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    Influence of Beethoven

    Wagner claimed Beethoven's music inspired him to become a composer.

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    Franz Liszt's Influence

    Liszt was a mentor and friend who greatly supported Wagner during tough times.

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    Wagner's Music Drama Style

    Wagner's unique style combined music, poetry, and drama into cohesive pieces.

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    Study Notes

    Richard Wagner - Musician's Biography

    • Born in Leipzig, Germany, 1813, youngest of nine children
    • Largely self-taught in music
    • Married Minna Planer in 1836; relationship was long and stormy, ending in 1862
    • Moved to Paris in 1839, worked as a music journalist due to poverty
    • His first opera, Rienzi, premiered in 1842, followed by The Flying Dutchman in 1843
    • Became conductor at the royal court in Dresden
    • Left Germany in 1849 after joining rebel republicans; long exile in Switzerland
    • Completed Tristan und Isolde in 1859, but it was considered unplayable until 1865.
    • Returned to Bavaria in 1862, comfortable villa near Munich, and finished major work, Die Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle)
    • Died 1883, buried near faithful dog, Russ, in Bayreuth garden

    Wagner's Influence on Opera

    • Reinvented opera as music drama, combining poetry, drama, music, and art
    • First composer to create every aspect of his music dramas, composing music, creating plot and characters, and writing all words, without collaborating with lyricists.
    • Began career as playwright and poet, then turned to music after an illness
    • His work shows great musical and dramatic vision, although opinions about it vary.

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    Description

    Explore the life and achievements of Richard Wagner, a revolutionary figure in the world of opera. Born in Leipzig in 1813, he became renowned for his innovative approach to music drama, combining various artistic elements. This quiz delves into his biography and artistic influence.

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