The controversial German composer, conductor and music theorist Richard Wagner (1813-1883) is mainly known for his dramatic operas. His music is particularly notable for its lavish harmonies and rich orchestrations. Wagner was of great importance in the history of opera: he realized the concept of the so-called Gesamtkunstwerk - an amalgamation of music, literature, theatre, dance, visual art and (theatre) architecture. His most famous operas include Der Fliegende Holländer, Die Meistersinger, T...