Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner (1813–1883) was a German Romantic composer and conductor. He reshaped opera through his music dramas, often writing their librettos and stage directions himself. His best-known works include *Lohengrin*, *Tristan und Isolde*, *Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg*, and *Parsifal*. His most extensive project was the opera cycle *Der Ring des Nibelungen*. To stage it, he had a dedicated festival theatre built in Bayreuth; it opened in 1876 with the premiere of the *Ring*. From 1843 to 1849, Wagner served as Saxon court conductor in Dresden. After taking part in the Dresden uprising, he spent many years in exile in Switzerland. He died in Venice.