A comprehensive introduction to the piano works left by the ‘King of Music Drama,’ Richard Wagner!

Richard Wagner, the German composer who reached the pinnacle of Romantic opera and created a wealth of monumental works including Tannhäuser.

Though he is known as the founder of music drama and often called the “King of Music Drama,” which naturally draws attention to his operas and stage works, did you know he actually left a fair number of short piano pieces as well? In this article, we’ve selected from among his piano works those that are still occasionally performed today.

You might expect that piano pieces by the “King of Music Drama” would be dramatic and grand in character—but surprisingly, most are simple and serene.

Enjoy that contrast, too!