A masterpiece by Richard Wagner. Popular classical music.
We’ve put together a collection of masterpieces by Richard Wagner, the 19th-century German composer known as the “King of Music Drama”! He wrote the librettos for most of his own operas and was known not only as a composer but also as a man of letters, making him one of the figures who exerted broad influence across Europe in the latter half of the 19th century.
True to his title as the King of Music Drama, he wrote a great many music dramas; however, he also left works such as the Symphony in C major, as well as numerous piano pieces and songs.
Those familiar with wind bands may recognize Wagner’s name from “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.” This time, we’ve selected some of Wagner’s greatest works.
Please give them a listen!
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Masterpieces by Richard Wagner: Popular classical music (21–30)
Senta’s Ballad from the opera The Flying DutchmanRichard Wagner
From the opera The Flying Dutchman: “Senta’s Ballad.” Sung in Act II, it includes sections depicting the storm-tossed ship and the Dutchman who roams the seas, as well as sections expressing the faithful maiden who can save him.
The soprano is the Swedish opera singer Nina Stemme.
Overture to the opera RienziRichard Wagner
The overture to the opera Rienzi.
Its full title is Rienzi, the Last of the Tribunes, and it is based on the real 14th-century Roman politician Cola di Rienzi.
Performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the German conductor Klaus Tennstedt.
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from the opera LohengrinWilhelm Wagner
This piece, with its majestic and sacred atmosphere, unfolds at a leisurely tempo and is distinguished by its rich orchestration.
The harmony between brass and strings is beautiful, leaving listeners deeply moved.
Premiered in August 1850, the work depicts a scene from an opera, superbly conveying the protagonist’s purity and the solemnity of the ritual.
It is often used as background music for weddings and religious ceremonies and is beloved by many.
It is recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for anyone seeking a beautiful melody that resonates with the heart.
Prelude to Act I from the music drama ‘Tristan und Isolde’Richard Wagner
Prelude to Act I from the music drama Tristan und Isolde.
It is based on the Tristan legend, widely told throughout medieval Europe—the tragic love of the knight Tristan and Isolde, who became the wife of King Mark.
Performed by the Bavarian State Opera Orchestra, conducted by Zubin Mehta.
Music drama The Mastersingers of Nuremberg, Act I, Scene 3: “Begin!” And spring leads us into the forest (Walther)Richard Wagner
From Act 1, Scene 3 of the music drama ‘Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.’ At the signal ‘Begin!’, the scene where the ‘trial song’ starts.
Featuring Siegfried Jerusalem, Hermann Prey, and Bernd Weikl, conducted by Horst Stein.
From Act 2 of the music drama ‘Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg’: ‘Beckmesser’s Serenade’Richard Wagner
Act II, Scene 6 (“Beckmesser’s Serenade”) from the music drama Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.
The baritones are Theo Adam and Siegfried Lorenz.
The orchestra is the Staatskapelle Berlin, conducted by Otmar Suitner.
“The Baptism of Love” from Act 3, Scene 4 of the music drama “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg”Richard Wagner
The music drama The Mastersingers of Nuremberg, Act 3, Scene 4: “The Baptism of Love.” A very beautiful quintet in which each character sings their feelings.
Karita Mattila, Jill Grove, Ben Heppner, Matthew Polenzani, James Morris.