Word: Richard Wagner
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Richard Wagner was a famous German composer who lived from 1813 to 1883. He is best known for his operas and for creating a new style of music called "musical drama." In his works, he combined drama, music, and visual effects into a single, powerful experience.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "Richard Wagner" when discussing music, opera, or the history of classical music.
When talking about his contributions, you might say, "Richard Wagner changed the way we think about opera."
Example Sentence:
"Richard Wagner's operas, like 'The Ring Cycle,' are known for their complex characters and innovative use of music."
Advanced Usage:
In discussions about music history, you might say, "Wagner's concept of 'Gesamtkunstwerk' or 'total work of art' significantly influenced later composers."
When analyzing his works, one might explore how Wagner's use of leitmotifs (recurring musical themes associated with particular characters or ideas) created depth in his stories.
Word Variants:
Wagnerian (adjective): Relating to Wagner or his music. For example, "The Wagnerian style is characterized by grand themes and rich orchestration."
Wagnerism (noun): A term that refers to the ideas and influence of Wagner's music and philosophy.
Different Meanings:
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to Richard Wagner. However, you can discuss "playing Wagner" when referring to listening to his music, or "Wagnerian themes" when discussing elements inspired by his style.
Summary:
Richard Wagner is an important figure in music history known for his operas and innovative approaches to combining music and drama.