Richard Wagner was born on May 22nd, 1813, in Leipzig, Germany.
His father died when he was 6 years old and his mother raised him and his two siblings alone.
He composed his first opera, “Die Feen” at the age of 19.
Wagner wrote both the music and libretto for all of his operas.
He is most famous for his “Ring Cycle”, a series of four operas based on Norse mythology.
Wagner is credited with introducing the concept of “Gesamtkunstwerk”, or the total work of art, in which all aspects of a production (music, sets, costume, staging, etc.) unite to form one artistic experience.
Wagner’s works are considered to be some of the most influential in musical history, having inspired such composers as Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss.
His music is thought to have been an influence on modern art and music, including rock and roll.
Wagner had several controversial views and relationships during his life, including anti-Semitism and a romantic affair with the daughter of a Polish nobleman while still married to his first wife.
Wagner died on February 13th, 1883 at the age of 69 in Venice, Italy.