WAGNER RICHARD: (1813-1883) German Composer.

WAGNER RICHARD: (1813-1883) German Composer.
An unusual printed 8vo page annotated by Wagner, being the introduction to a publication relating to the composer's opera Tannhauser, the German text to the recto and verso of the page, removed from a First Edition work published by Schulthess of Zurich, August 1852. At the head of the first page Wagner has added the words 'Programm der Ouvertüre zu Tannhäuser' in his hand. A thin strip of sellotape staining to the left edge, not affecting the printed text or Wagner's holograph annotation. Some very light, minor creasing, about VGTannhäuser und der Sängerkrieg auf Wartburg (1845) is an opera in three acts with music and text by Wagner, inspired by two German legends. The story centres on the struggle between sacred and profane love, and redemption through love, a theme running through much of Wagner's mature work. Wagner made a number of revisions of the opera throughout his life and was still unsatisfied with its format when he died. The most significant revision was made for the opera's premiere in Paris in 1861. The opera remains a staple of major opera house repertoire in the 21st century.Richard Wagner is primarily known for his operas (or 'music dramas' as some of his later works were known) and, unlike most opera composers, Wagner wrote both the libretto and music for each of his stage works. The composer revolutionised opera through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk ('total work of art') and described his vision in a series of essays published between 1849-52. Wagner's most important operas continue to be performed annually at the Bayreuth Festival, run by his descendants. The effect of Wagner's ideas can be traced in many of the arts throughout the 20th century; his influence spread beyond composition into conducting, philosophy, literature, the visual arts and theatre.