Wilhelm Richard Wagner. A Concise Biography

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This installment of the Famous Composers series offers an introduction to the life and work of German composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner. Wagner's musical interests were initiated by his stepfather's involvement in theater, an influence that remained important to the composer and his philosophy of "the total work of art." His adult life is characterized by a tumultuous marriage, troublesome debt, and political exile. The film explores his socialist politics and years of exile in Paris and Zurich - a time of personal struggle but great musical and written production. Wagner was finally offered financial and professional support under the new king of Bavaria, Ludwig II, in 1864. This cemented his musical success and influence, but this did not end the personal string of scandals in his life.