1. (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner

2. Birth & Death Born in Leipzig, Germany May 22, 1813 Born in Leipzig, Germany May 22, 1813 Died of a heart attack in Venice, Italy on Feb. 13, 1883 Died of a heart attack in Venice, Italy on Feb. 13, 1883

3. Music Composition  Age 11: Wrote 1 st play  Age 16: Wrote 1 st musical composition  Age 20: Wrote 1 st opera  Influenced by Ludwig Van Beethoven  Famous for his epic operas  Wrote a complex, 4-part opera called Ring Cycle, which was 18 hours long!

4. Songs  Wrote the opera “Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg” (The Master-Singers of Nurnberg). We will listen to the overture.  Overture - an instrumental song at the beginning of an opera, oratorio or other vocal work, which introduces musical themes that will be heard throughout the composition  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Zcxx7fNqIs  Wrote “Ride of the Valkyries,” which is the opening song of Act III from the 2 nd opera in the Ring Cycle operas  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HanD9RjfHA