Composer Richard Wagner Died On This Day in 1883 [ON-THIS-DAY]

Legendary German composer, conductor, theatre director and polemicist, Richard Wagner died on this day in 1883

Legendary German composer, conductor, theatre director and polemicist, Richard Wagner died on this day in 1883 – 136 years ago, aged 69.

His signature works include the operas: 'Die Walkure', 'Lohengrin', 'Parsifal', 'Tristan und Isolde', 'The Flying Dutchman', 'Tannhauser' - and the epic 'Der Ring des Nibelungen.’

His compositions are notable for their complex textures, rich harmonies and orchestration - and his elaborate use of leitmotifs.

Unlike most opera composers, Wagner wrote both the libretto and the music for each of his famed stage works.

RICHARD WAGNER | TRISTAN UND ISOLDE | PRELUDE | ZUBIN MEHTA & BAVARIAN STATE ORCHESTRA